Staff Mechanical Engineer

SLAC; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the development and operation of advanced X-ray and laser instruments, beamline systems, and operational capabilities at LCLS. You will join the LCLS mechanical engineering team and drive complex instrumentation projects from concept through testing and deployment.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering with 4+ years of hands-on experience in precision instrumentation, vibration and thermal isolation, and

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering and at least four years of experience in design, fabrication, assembly, and test of complex scientific instrumentation.
• Experience with vibration and thermal isolation for precision X-ray and optical components.
• Proficiency with CAD and multiple fabrication techniques; creating detailed mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering leadership for new initiatives advancing X-ray experimental capabilities and beamline diagnostics.
• Lead integration, testing, and delivery of systems with staff scientists, fabrication facilities, and technicians.
• Manage technical scope within budget and schedule with strong QA using standardized processes.
• May serve as Cost Account Manager (CAM) in project roles.

Skills

CAD

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Solid Edge

ANSYS

MATLAB/Python

Job description

Position Overview

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an internationally preeminent science facility, operated by Stanford University at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on behalf of the Department of Energy, Office of Science. This facility provides world-leading scientific capabilities to a global user community, covering a very broad research portfolio that includes the development of advanced materials and chemical catalysts for clean energy systems; drug discovery for modern pharmaceuticals; and fundamental studies of astrophysical phenomena.

We are seeking a candidate to fill the position of Staff Mechanical Engineer. The successful candidate will help drive a dynamic and exciting environment, leading the engineering, development, and operation of a broad array of scientific instruments that operate at the frontier of science.

The successful candidate will join the LCLS mechanical engineering team. The successful candidate will support and lead the development of new X-ray and Laser science instruments, X-ray and optical beamline systems, and help lead the development of new operational capabilities for the LCLS facility.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Provide mechanical engineering support and leadership for new initiatives that advance X-ray experimental capabilities through delivery of complex scientific instrumentation, X-ray and laser system opto-mechanical systems, experiment and beamline diagnostics, and target delivery systems.
• Provide mechanical engineering support and leadership for the integration and testing of systems and devices, working with staff scientists, fabrication facilities and personnel, and technicians.
• Responsible for the execution and delivery of technical scope, within budget and on schedule, with a high degree of quality assurance using standardized engineering processes.
• May function as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) in project management roles.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field and at least four years of experience in the following areas:
  • Design, fabrication, assembly, and test of complex scientific instrumentation.
  • Performingengineering calculations, numerical analysis, materials evaluation and applied design rules, to the fabrication and testing of new devices.
  • Vibration and thermal isolation of precision X-ray and optical components.
  • Multiple fabrication techniques and design tools for producing complex components and systems
  • Preparing detailed mechanical drawings.
• Demonstrated skill with CAD
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a diverse team environment.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate in a team environment.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and 2 years of relevant experience similar to those listed above, or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
• Design of vibration and thermal isolation for complex mechanical systems.
• Experience X-ray FEL, synchrotron, and/or laser system engineering.
• Creating complex 3D CAD model parts, assemblies & beamline layouts using Solid Edge.
• Experience with design, operation, and maintenance of UHV vacuum systems.
• Demonstrated skill with FEA tools (ANSYS) and Matlab/Python.