X-ray Spectroscopy Electrical Engineer Associate

About the Role

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is seeking a Science and Engineering Associate to provide technical support and operational oversight for X-ray spectroscopy beam lines and associated experimental equipment. This role supports visiting scientific users and scientific/engineering staff, contributing to the day-to-day operations and continuous improvement of beamline electrical and electromechanical systems within a dynamic scientific research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, fabricate, test, troubleshoot, and maintain electronic and electro-mechanical systems.
• Fabricate and assemble mechanical systems, electronic enclosures, and fixtures based on 3D CAD models, technical drawings, or sketches.
• Design, build, label, and install custom cable assemblies for specialized applications.
• Conduct electrical and mechanical repairs and implement preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Create and maintain schematics and wiring diagrams using ECAD software.
• Document operational and safety procedures in compliance with laboratory and industry standards.
• Collaborate with engineers, physicists, chemists, technicians, and other teams to design, install, and modify various systems.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Associate degree or certificate of completion in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or related fields, OR three years of equivalent work experience in electronics and instrumentation, OR a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience with design and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to the area of specialization.
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and maintain research protocol.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently within strict procedural guidelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
• Ability to interpret and determine the validity of data and verify own work.
• Solid understanding of Ohm’s law, simple digital and analog electrical circuits.
• Proficiency in using commercial test equipment for electrical measurements.
• Skilled use of hand tools, including electric drills, hole punches, saws, sanders, and other small power tools.
• Ability to provide guidance and coordinate with other team members effectively.
• Excellent communication skills for discussing technical challenges with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with 3-D printing using Markforged and Formlabs printers.
• Experience with microcontrollers (e.g., Microchip AVR ATmega and ATxmega), single board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi 4 and 5), and PLCs (e.g., Galil RIO, CLICK).
• Experience with mechanical 3D CAD software (e.g., Solid Edge) and electronics CAD software (e.g., Easy EDA, Altium).
• Experience with multi-layer PCB design.

Qualifications

SLAC Employee Competencies

• Effective Decisions
• Self-Development
• Dependability
• Initiative
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Relationships

Job-Specific Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Tech Savvy
• Manage Complexity
• Action Oriented

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• 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 his or her job.

Work Standards

• Interpersonal Skills
• Promote Culture of Safety
• Compliance with applicable University policies and procedures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential, requiring successful completion of a federal background investigation and adjudication. This includes a declaration of illegal drug activities as per federal law.