Lead Engineer - X-ray Instrumentation Development

SLAC Job Postings

Position overview

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an internationally preeminent science facility, operated by Stanford University at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on behalf of the Department of Energy, Office of Science. This facility provides world-leading scientific capabilities to a global user community, covering a very broad research portfolio that includes the development of advanced materials and chemical catalysts for clean energy systems; drug discovery for modern pharmaceuticals; and fundamental studies of astrophysical phenomena.

We are seeking a candidate to fill the position of Staff Mechanical Engineer. The successful candidate will help drive a dynamic and exciting environment, leading the engineering development and operation of a broad array of scientific instruments that operate at the frontier of science.

Major upgrades to LCLS are currently underway, representing well over a billion dollars of investment. Over the next five years, LCLS will design and deliver a new suite of science instruments to transform this field, taking advantage of the orders-of-magnitude increase in X-ray beam power as the pulse repetition rate is increased from 120 pulses/second to 1 million/second. This drives the need for entirely new capabilities in X-ray optics, beam diagnostics, cryogenics, ultra-high vacuum assemblies, and precision opto-mechanical systems. In addition, a major multi-year project is underway to upgrade the LCLS facility with a Petawatt laser, enabling high peak power optical and x-ray photons to combine on target, providing world-leading capabilities in the field of fusion science.

The successful candidate will join the LCLS mechanical engineering team. The successful candidate will lead the development of new X-ray and Laser science instruments, X-ray and optical beamline systems, and help lead the development of new operational capabilities for the LCLS facility. This role will play a key part in shaping the future of X-ray science, contributing to the success of innovative experiments in the XFEL facility.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Provide engineering leadership for new initiatives that advance X-ray experimental capabilities through delivery of complex scientific instrumentation, X-ray and laser system opto-mechanical systems, experiment and beamline diagnostics, and target delivery systems, , ensuring alignment with scientific requirements and engineering best practices.
• Oversee the design and development of precision mechanical systems, including vacuum components, optomechanical assemblies, motion systems, and cryogenic devices.
• Provide engineering leadership for the integration and testing of systems and devices, working with staff scientists, fabrication facilities and personnel, and technicians.
• Manage the fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical components and systems, ensuring high standards of precision and reliability.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design drawings, engineering reports, and assembly instructions.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and other team members.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and project management standards throughout the design and fabrication process.
• Participate in technical reviews, providing expertise on engineering issues and contributing to the continuous improvement of processes and systems.
• Responsible for the execution and delivery of technical scope, within budget and on schedule, with a high degree of quality assurance using standardized engineering processes.
• May function as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) in project management roles.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor¿s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on precision X-ray instrumentation design and development for Synchrotron or XFEL facilities.
• Proven expertise in designing and developing high-precision mechanical systems, with experience in vacuum systems, cryogenics, or optomechanics being highly desirable.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (e.g., CREO, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Siemens NX) and FEA tools for structural and thermal analysis (e.g., ANSYS).
• Experience working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with scientists and engineers to translate complex technical requirements into technical solutions.
• Familiarity with industry standards and practices for machining, fabrication, and assembly of high-precision components.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members.
• Demonstrated project management experience, with the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance related to x-ray, lasers and radiation in a research or industrial environment.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• A Master¿s degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5 years of relevant experience similar to those listed above, or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Or related field.
• Design of vibration and thermal isolation for complex mechanical systems.
• Creating complex 3D CAD model parts, assemblies & beamline layouts using Solid Edge.
• Experience with design, operation, and maintenance of UHV vacuum systems.
• Background in working within XFEL or similar large-scale scientific facilities.
• Experience with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, motion control, and alignment systems for scientific instrumentation.
• Knowledge of cryogenic cooling systems and components used in low-temperature scientific experiments.
• Experience with additive manufacturing technologies and their application in mechanical designs.

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

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• Classification Title: Staff Engineer 4
• Job code: 0134, Grade: M
• Employment Duration: 3-year fixed term

The expected pay range for this position is $180,000 to $236,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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.