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SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Principal S & E Tech (Electro-Mech)

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Job Description

Job Overview Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing and/or supporting breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? As a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is a DOE-sponsored national and international user research facility dedicated to providing synchrotron x-rays for research in material, biological, chemical, and environmental sciences. Using a 3.0GeV storage ring SSRL produces extremely bright x-rays as a resource for researchers to study matter and processes at the atomic and molecular level. Over 1600 scientist from all over the world utilize our research facility and resources each year. The SSRL Vacuum Group seeks a technician with a strong background in the fabrication, assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of mechanical and Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) precision systems and associated controls for the execution of performance enhancement projects and operations of the SSRL injector/booster accelerator, the
SPEAR 3.0
GeV electron storage ring, and x-ray beam lines and associated optics. In this position, you will plan, coordinate, and execute routine and non-routine fabrication, assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities involving mechanical and UHV systems associated with the SSRL electron accelerators and x-ray beam lines. You will perform preventative maintenance and develop enhancements to scientific instrumentations. You will also support the design, development, testing, and calibration of experimental installations of electron and photon optics and related precision mechanisms. You will work closely with the Vacuum Group manager as well as engineering and scientific staff to carry out field activities and exercise discretion and judgment in the selection of designs, methods, materials, and equipment to accomplish the task. This position is responsible for performing assigned duties with minimal supervision, recognize, understand, and apply safe and authorized work practices to any assignments.
Note :
This is a 12 months fixed term position with the possibility of extension or conversion to a regular- continuing position. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Assemble and debug prototype experimental installations, vacuum, and precision mechanisms such as electron and x-ray optical systems, beam transport vacuum systems, and experimental equipment. This responsibility includes setup, commissioning, and debug of associated controls at the system module level. Work with designers and engineers to enhance the performance of such prototype systems. Modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and experimental systems as well as associated controls at the system module level. Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, job orders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated with development, fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing. Assemble a mechanical system from prints or sketches as well as from conceptual engineering specifications. Plan, coordinate, and execute complex equipment installations, set up associated equipment controls, monitor equipment operations, and supervise and execute routine maintenance. Support existing and new accelerator and x-ray beam line mechanical and vacuum systems including optics and vacuum transport systems. Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental or engineering projects. Maintain documentation related to vacuum system performance as well as assembly and maintenance protocols. Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance. Oversee the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/projects, and provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area. Other duties may also be assigned To be successful in this position you will bring: Associate degree or completion of vocational education in mechanical or vacuum technology or related technical discipline, or 8 years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience including: Vacuum system assembly and maintenance Precision mechanical system fabrication, QC, and assembly practices and tooling. Experience with machine shop tools and practices including assembly and precision measuring equipment. Applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support. Familiarity with welding procedures, brazing procedures, and vacuum cleaning methods. Practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of vacuum science and technology as relate to mechanical and vacuum system operation, design, and fabrication. Familiarity with materials, techniques and procedures used in vacuum system construction. Demonstrated ability in troubleshooting mechanical instrumentation, vacuum systems, and associated controls, as well as implementing corrective actions where applicable with minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to detail accurately and record system performance, system conditions, and individual or team activities. Interpret and determine validity of data and check own work. Must be able to read and interpret engineering drawings. Must be proficient in the use and application of a vast array of precision measuring instruments, familiar with
ANSI Y14.5
symbols. Software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, general familiarity with CAD software). Communicate and interface with all levels of staff including scientific, technical and operation areas and serve as a technical liaison with vendors. Experience in one or more of the following is strongly preferred. Familiarity with the use and application of ion gauges, roughing, ion, and turbomolecular pumps, cryopumps, residual gas analyzers, and helium mass spectrometer leak detectors. Experience in photon beam line systems and/or charged particle accelerator systems.
Certifications and Licenses:
Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial driver's license and a good driving record.
SLAC 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.
Responsibilities Core Duties :
Duties may include design, development of test and calibration methods and procedures, or trouble-shooting systems, components and equipment not only for repair, but also for evaluation of cause and subsequent design improvements. Work may also involve higher level maintenance and diagnostic repair when rapid troubleshooting and repair are necessary. May function as technical liaison with vendors or assist and lead other workers at the same or lower level of skills. When functioning as a lead technician (in the shop or in the field), the technician assigns and explains tasks to other technicians, inspects work for conformance with specifications, promotes the smooth flow of work by the group, and records information on work performed. May monitor project schedules (as established by the project engineer), procure parts and material, generate shop orders, and test, evaluate, and interconnect subsystems. May be required to work from conceptual engineering specifications rather than detailed drawings, sketches, or instructions. They may also be required to write job orders for installations, prepare purchase requisitions, document system details, prepare simple cost estimates or assist the professional staff with cost analysis. May perform any of the duties described in the Senior Science & Engineering Technician specification or other duties as assigned. Minimum Education and Experience Eight years' experience or demonstrated ability. Working knowledge of an expanded list of tools and test equipment in applications that are more complex and with greater precision than that required for the Senior S&E Technician.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
Principal Scientific and Engineering Technician has all of the qualifications described in the Senior Scientific and Engineering Technician specification plus the following qualifications: Ability to make basic engineering calculations on various parameters relevant to component, circuit, instrument, or system design. Must possess a thorough grasp of the theory of operation of equipment and instruments used in their assigned group or department. Demonstrated ability to communicate in technical terms with engineers and scientists and to instruct and direct the work of others. Principal S&E Technicians performing Type A work would be expected to have an in-depth knowledge in some particular area; for example, logic circuit design, the use of Smith charts for microwave measurements, the application of microprocessors, optical system design, or special metallurgical knowledge. Principal S&E Technician's performing Type B work might possess this type of knowledge in less depth but would, in any case, have a basic understanding of various applicable theories. Minimum Qualifications Pay Range $61.78 - $74.91 Pay Frequency Hourly Fixed Term Y SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL) Full time or Part time Full Time Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (On-site) Job Schedule Full time Regular or Temporary Regular Job Category Bargaining Unit -TMS Posting Date 09/22/2026, 09:08 PM Grade A41 - Bargaining Unit Role Job Identification 201068 Benefits that support you, and your future 18+ PTO days per year Health benefits start when you start Flexible work options World-class exercise facilities $6000+ annual tuition and training assistance 403k plan Mental health and wellness programs Free and discounted commuter transportation Applies to regular full-time positions. The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. 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 their job. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires 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. For foreign national candidates If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Benefits

  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance