SSRL Beamline Operations Engineer Associate (SEA2)

Facility Overview:

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a SLAC Directorate at Stanford University, is a national scientific user facility. SSRL operates approximately 30 x-ray and ultraviolet beamlines that support research in microelectronics, energy storage, metal additive manufacturing, biological and medical sciences, Earth science, sustainability, and materials science. Each beamline is tailored to specific experimental techniques that probe the structure and function of matter from atomic to millimeter scales and across time scales spanning many orders of magnitude. This diversity requires a wide range of instrumentation, sample environment controls, and data acquisition approaches. The beamline experiment stations are available to the international scientific user community, with SSRL staff providing scientific and technical support.

Position Overview: 

SSRL is seeking an outstanding Beamline Operations Engineer Associate to be part of a highly dynamic scientific research environment. In this position, you will provide technical support and operational oversight for the experimental facility, beamlines, and experimental equipment; design, prototype and commission electro-optical-mechanical systems and components; identify need and provide solutions for process improvements; create technical documents and user manuals; and provide support for visiting scientists and SSRL scientific and engineering staff.

Your specific responsibilities include: 

• Perform advanced technical work utilizing and/or developing experimental equipment, devices, plans, designs, reports, and/or data analysis. Support complex scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
• Serve as a key interface between user groups, experiment support groups and operations groups.
• Serve as the first point of contact to assist with user technical support and facility response to issues affecting beamline and user operations. 
• Confirm required 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. 
• Operation and maintenance of 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.
• Other duties may also be assigned. 

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• A Bachelors' degree in in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, physics, chemistry or related field or 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. 
• At least one of:
• 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.

In addition, preferred requirements include: 

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

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. May work extended hours during peak business cycles.
• 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)
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC requires on-site work

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.

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• Classification Title: Science & Engineering Assoc 2
• Grade: J Job code: 4992
• Duration: Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $122,929 - $145,389 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.