Staff Mechanical Engineer

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park hosts the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead development and operation of high-precision X-ray and laser instruments, beamline systems, and diagnostics.

You will drive mechanical design, testing, and integration across projects, mentor technicians, and ensure on-time delivery within budget while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering and at least 4 years of relevant experience.
• Design, fabrication, assembly, and test of complex scientific instrumentation.
• Performing engineering calculations, numerical analysis, materials evaluation and applied design rules.
• Vibration and thermal isolation of precision X-ray and optical components.
• 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.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

CAD

Vibration isolation

Thermal isolation

Numerical analysis

FEA ANSYS

Matlab/Python

Detail drawings

Independent work

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

M.S. or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Solid Edge

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.

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.
  • Performing engineering 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.

Summary

RESPONSIBILITIES

Experienced professional capable of leading areas of research, technology, design, or facility operation.

Consistently demonstrates creativity and ingenuity required to remain at the scientific and technological forefront.

Scope Of Impact

Sets goals, plans, directs and executes established and new research projects.

Demonstrated technical authority over areas of research and/or development objectives within a project, program, or facility operations.

Knowledge And Expertise

Applies scientific or technical expertise in a broad field of knowledge for several applications and has fully demonstrated grasp of related disciplines.

Demonstrated ability to lead focused research, technologies, design, or facility operations.

Demonstrated effective communication of research progress to both internal and external audiences.

Directing Others/Supervision

Directs the work of others to achieve objectives of small to moderate research programs.

Program Development

Contributes to new applications, proposals and program development opportunities.

Contributes to solutions to key technical or scientific challenges critical to program/project success.

Minimum Education And Experience Required

BS in applicable engineering or scientific discipline and 4 years of relevant experience

About Us

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and bold explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future. Our discovery and innovation help develop new materials and chemical processes and open unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery. Building on more than 60 years of visionary research, we help shape the future by advancing areas such as quantum technology, scientific computing and the development of next-generation accelerators.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science . The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.