Staff Scientist

Slac-National-Accelerator-Laboratory; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a Low-Level RF and Control Systems Specialist to advance next-generation LLRF architectures and integration with accelerator controls. The role focuses on RFSoC-based digital systems, modern timing, and high-stability RF control for NLCTA facilities.

The candidate will design, implement, and commission digital LLRF systems, collaborate with firmware and instrumentation teams, and mentor researchers.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or related field with at least 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience designing and implementing low-level RF control systems for accelerators.
• Proficiency with EPICS and accelerator control environments.
• Strong programming skills in Python and MATLAB; data analysis proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement next-generation LLRF control systems using RFSoC and DSP architectures.
• Lead transition of legacy controls and DAQ to updated platforms including timing system modernization.
• Architect complex, multi-project control system integration from concept to commissioning.
• Develop novel DSP techniques to improve RF field stability and feedback performance.
• Collaborate with instrumentation and software teams; mentor junior staff and postdocs.

Skills

LLRF systems

RFSoC FPGA

EPICS

Python programming

MATLAB

DSP engineering

Education

PhD in physics / electrical engineering or related field

Tools

FPGA development

RF testing

Job description

Position Overview

The Accelerator Research and Technology Department at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a talented Low-Level RF and Control Systems Specialist with demonstrated expertise in next-generation LLRF system development and accelerator control system integration.

The successful candidate will support research and development programs in RFAR including experiments conducted at SLAC's Next Linear Collider Test Accelerator (NLCTA) test facility to develop and deploy next generation low-level RF systems with integrated RF and accelerator system controls. This role will be instrumental to implementing modern control system technologies for compact accelerators and test facility systems, including RF System-on-Chip (RFSoC) platforms and modern timing systems.

The Accelerator Research and Technology Department is responsible for developing cutting-edge accelerator technologies that push the frontiers of particle physics and accelerator science. Our R&D programs require effective collaboration and communication with accelerator operations, controls engineering, instrumentation development groups, and scientists at other accelerator facilities and DOE partner labs.

This position offers the opportunity to lead transformative work in LLRF system architecture and control system integration. The main responsibility of this role is designing, implementing, and commissioning next-generation digital LLRF systems that can achieve record-setting stability and fast feedback, while spearheading the integration of advanced control technologies into operational accelerator facilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement next-generation low-level RF control systems utilizing RF System-on-Chip (RFSoC) and advanced digital signal processing architectures
• Drive the transition from legacy controls and DAQ systems for accelerator R&D and test facility experiments to updated platforms, including timing system modernization
• Architect complex control system integration projects from conceptual design through commissioning and operation
• Develop novel digital signal processing techniques and algorithms to achieve unprecedented RF field stability
• Serve as technical interface between accelerator physics programs and controls/instrumentation development teams
• Design and execute high-power RF tests and commissioning activities at accelerator test facilities
• Collaborate with firmware development teams to specify requirements and validate implementations
• Develop control system solutions supporting multiple concurrent research projects and experiments
• Commission and optimize LLRF systems for operational accelerator facilities
• Document system designs, prepare technical specifications, and author scientific publications
• Participate in accelerator development and commissioning activities; take rotations as engineering operator in charge when required
• Communicate project needs and technical requirements to cross-functional teams
• Mentor junior staff and postdoctoral researchers in LLRF technology and control systems
• Generates new applications, programs or proposals and contributes to their development
• Generates solutions to key technical or scientific challenges critical to program/project success
• Contributes to laboratory reputation through development of transformative technologies

Program Development

Given the nature of this position, this work will be on-site with limited hybrid work options.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

PhD in applicable scientific discipline and 4 years of relevant experience

To be successful in this position you will bring

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field plus minimum 4 years of relevant experience in the following areas:
  • Design and implementation of low-level RF control systems for particle accelerators
  • Digital signal processing architecture development and optimization
  • RF System-on-Chip (RFSoC) or similar FPGA-based platform development
  • Control system integration in accelerator environments
  • High-power RF system testing and commissioning
• Demonstrated record of original scientific contributions as evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Proven ability to conceive, design, and independently execute complex technical projects from concept to operational implementation
• Strong technical communication skills for creating scientific presentations, authoring publications, and preparing detailed technical documentation
• Excellent collaboration skills with ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams and serve as technical interface between groups
• Ability to define and solve complex problems for highly technical applications
• Experience with accelerator control systems and instrumentation Proficiency in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB) and data analysis
• Knowledge of firmware development workflows and requirements specification
• Experience architecting direct RF sampling systems and heterodyne replacement technologies
• Track record of innovation in LLRF system design resulting significant performance improvements
• Experience with Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS)
• Familiarity with legacy timing systems (e.g., SLAC Control Program) and modern replacements
• Demonstrated success in collaborative projects with instrumentation development divisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience architecting direct RF sampling systems and heterodyne replacement technologies
• Track record of innovation in LLRF system design resulting significant performance improvements
• Experience with Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS)
• Familiarity with legacy timing systems (e.g., SLAC Control Program) and modern replacements
• Demonstrated success in collaborative projects with instrumentation development divisions

Staff Scientist - Accelerator Research and Technology Department
Classification Title: Staff Scientist
Duration: Regular Continuing