SSRL Beamline Operations Engineer Associate (SEA2)

About the Role

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is seeking an outstanding Beamline Operations Engineer Associate to join a dynamic scientific research environment. You will provide technical support and operational oversight for the experimental facility, beamlines, and experimental equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced technical work utilizing and/or developing experimental equipment, devices, plans, designs, reports, and/or data analysis.
• Support complex scientific and research programs, analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental processes, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
• Serve as a key interface between user groups, experiment support groups, and operations groups.
• Act as the first point of contact for user technical support and facility response to operational issues.
• Confirm administrative procedures are complete before authorizing user groups to operate SSRL beam lines.
• Communicate and enforce compliance with safety policies and procedures.
• Present safety and orientation information to new users.
• Monitor configuration control of beamline protection and personnel protection systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex equipment and systems.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of synchrotron radiation beam lines and associated subsystems (complex electro-optical-mechanical, cryogenic-vacuum, and control systems).
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists in the development, design, prototyping, procurement, and commissioning of novel and special purpose scientific equipment.
• Operate and maintain specialized scientific/industrial equipment.
• Procure and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental and engineering projects.
• Maintain and supply shared workspaces.
• Create and maintain technical documents and user manuals.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, physics, chemistry, or a related field, OR five years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant technical experience in a laboratory or industrial environment.
• Operate and troubleshoot sophisticated electro-optical-mechanical and logic control systems.
• Extensive use of hand tools, specialized tools, and techniques in the assembly and operation of precision complex electro-optical-mechanical systems.
• Handling of delicate instruments and materials.
• Design, development, and prototyping of scientific or industrial equipment and systems.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as work unsupervised within strict procedural guidelines.
• Collaborate with a diverse work group of visiting scientists, staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Professionalism and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Scientific/industrial plumbing/tubing: specification, design, procurement, and installation.
• Machining and/or 3D printing experience.
• Python programming or automation skills.

Work Conditions

• Shift work is required (rotating day/night, with the current cadence of four 12 hr day shifts/four days off/four 12 night shifts/ four days off 9 months of the year, with a standard 5-day/week 8-hour/day schedule the remaining 3 months of the year).
• May work extended hours during peak business cycles.
• On-site work is required.
• Requires successful completion of a federal background investigation and ability to obtain a PIV Credential.