Control and Interlock Systems Engineer

Position Overview

Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges?  Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Experiment Control Systems (ECS) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Control and Interlock Systems Engineer to spearhead interlock systems development for major facility upgrades as well as operational improvement projects for the facility.

As a member of the ECS Design & Engineering Team, you will join a multidisciplinary engineering group in the design, deployment, and commissioning of technology for controlling and protecting scientific instrumentation at LCLS. You will work on developing and delivering highly functional machine protection interlock systems for LCLS projects at varying scales.

The LCLS control systems are responsible for enabling safe, reliable, and coordinated operation of beam delivery systems (laser and XFEL) and experimental instrumentation.

They support automated and interlocked control of complex mechatronic and instrumentation systems.

The delivery of these control systems requires a deep understanding of high-level stakeholder needs and the state-of-the-art technical capabilities. Successful control system delivery depends on interfacing with nearly all groups in the project process, managing relationships and maintaining a sufficient understanding of the evolution of the overall system design.

A successful hire will become a subject matter expert in the LCLS PLC-based and distributed control systems, with a focus on machine protection interlock systems, industrial networking, and associated controls infrastructure. The position will contribute to the design, implementation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of mission-critical controls systems supporting scientific operations. 

The successful candidate will be expected to develop deep technical expertise in Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS integration, machine protection interlock systems, and distributed controls architectures while working closely with operations, engineering, and scientific staff to ensure safe, reliable, and maintainable system operation. 

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain machine protection interlock systems and other mission-critical controls infrastructure.
• Develop system specifications, requirements, design documents, test procedures, and commissioning plans to meet stakeholder needs.
• Design and implement controls architectures utilizing Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS, industrial networking technologies, and related controls frameworks.
• Integrate controls systems with supervisory systems, operator interfaces, instrumentation, and facility infrastructure.
• Diagnose issues in operational control systems, perform root-cause analysis, and implement reliability and maintainability improvements.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including functional specifications, architecture diagrams, interface documentation, and operating procedures.
• Participate in controls upgrades, modernization efforts, and new facility or instrument development projects.
• Research, evaluate, and implement new automation, controls, and industrial networking technologies.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, operators, vendors, and project teams to deliver integrated controls solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for PLC-based and distributed control systems.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline, and a minimum of five years of experience designing, implementing, commissioning, or supporting PLC-based interlock systems in scientific, industrial, manufacturing, or similar environments.
• Extensive programming skills using IEC 61131-3 PLC languages with a focus on Structured Text programming
• Experience with industrial control system architectures, distributed control systems, SCADA systems, and industrial networking technologies.
• Experience designing, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial fieldbus networks such as EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, or similar technologies.
• Experience integrating PLC systems with higher-level control and supervisory systems using technologies such as EPICS, OPC UA, ADS, Modbus, or similar communication protocols.
• Understanding of industrial electrical engineering principles, instrumentation, signal circuits, and control system hardware.
• Ability to read, develop, and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Experience troubleshooting complex systems involving hardware, software, instrumentation, networking, and controls components.
• Experience using software configuration management and version control tools such as Git.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to learn and understand a broad range of hardware, software, instrumentation, and operational systems.

In addition, preferred experience includes:

• Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs
• Experience with EPICS-based control systems and scientific instrumentation controls.
• Experience developing, commissioning, and supporting distributed control systems in scientific, industrial, manufacturing, or large-scale facility environments.
• Experience with industrial networking technologies and protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, EtherCAT, OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, or similar.
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience with Linux, bash, or other scripting environments.
• Experience with software development best practices, including version control, software testing, and configuration management using Git or similar tools.
• Experience with simulation, testing, validation, and reliability analysis of control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial safety and engineering standards such as IEC 61511/ISA-84, UL 508, ANSI, OSHA, or similar standards.
• Experience using engineering and documentation tools such as EPLAN, Visio, or similar applications.

SLAC Employee Competencies:

•  Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals. 

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 the job.

Work Standards:

•  Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.  Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1—General Policy and Responsibilities:  http://www.group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
• 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 Identity 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.

Summary:

An entry-level position for a PhD graduate in a scientist position
or
A level for continuing career professional in an engineering position with fully functioning and independent skillset.
 

Scope of Impact:

Executes well-defined priorities or specific programmatic objectives.

Knowledge and Expertise:

Demonstrated expertise in a specific scientific or technical area and ability to apply this expertise to complete program or project objectives.
Applies general principles, theories, and concepts, and contributes to the development of advancements.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate.

Program Development:

Contributes to the completion of milestones associated with specific projects and technical products to accomplish the laboratory’s goals.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

BS in applicable engineering or scientific discipline and 2 years of relevant experience