Beamline Controls Software Engineer

Job ID

5930

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Regular

SLAC Job Postings

Software Engineer – Data Acquisition and Beamline Controls

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is a national user facility with 27 beamlines, providing synchrotron radiation for research in chemistry, catalysis, biology, medical, environmental, and materials sciences.

SSRL is seeking an experienced Beamline Controls Software Engineer to be part of a dynamic scientific research environment in the Chemistry and Catalysis Division. In this position you will spearhead the development of new scientific data acquisition and beamline control backend. This critical software will be at the core of our experiments, requiring exceptional reliability, performance and versatility. With support from staff engineers and scientists, you will lead the design and development of a robust data acquisition backend tailored to the specific needs of various x-ray spectroscopy experiments.

The specific responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the design and development of a robust data acquisition backend tailored to the needs of our XAS beamlines.

• Interface a variety of commercial and prototype motion control systems, sensors, cameras, multi element and multi pixel detectors, robots, data acquisition systems and more.

• Collaborate with staff engineers and scientists to understand the unique requirements and integrate existing experimental setups into the new beamline control software.

• Develop new capabilities with a strong focus on automation, remote control and real-time feedback of the experiments.

• Implement data storage and retrieval mechanism.

• Ownership of software components that are essential to our XAS beamline operations.

• Develop EPICS IOCs.

• Develop tools and methodologies to test developed software and track reliability.

• Maintain documentation.

• Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science or closely related field and a minimum of 4 years of experience in controls software development.

• Python advanced to expert.

• C/C++ and C/C++ Python extension development experience.

• Experience with EPICS (Experiment Physics and Industrial Control System, https://epics.anl.gov/)

• Self-motivated, willing to learn and able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges.

In addition, preferred requirements include experience in the following areas:

• Master’s degree in computer engineering, computer science or closely related field and relevant experience in controls software development.

• Web development experience

• Basic knowledge of C# and databases such as MySQL.

• Experience with BlueSky (https://nsls-ii.github.io/bluesky/)

• Experience with Larch (https://xraypy.github.io/xraylarch/)

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.

• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite 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

• Classification Title: Staff Engineer 3

• Grade: L, Job Code: 0133

• Duration: Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $140,000 to $198000 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.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.