Controls Software Engineer

Berkeley Lab's Engineering Division is seeking an innovative and creative Controls Software Engineer for a role in the Beamline Controls Group at the Advanced Light Source (ALS).

The ALS is on the brink of an expansive equipment upgrade that will transform its scientific capabilities and impact future scientific discoveries for decades to come. You will shape the new control system to provide groundbreaking abilities to our user communities.

Working with ALS scientists, you will solve unique problems that blend science, instrumentation, data acquisition, and motion control. You will bring your passion and curiosity to your key responsibilities that include supporting scientists, gathering requirements, developing and testing solutions for motors, instruments, detectors, and cameras, maintaining and implementing new features in existing applications, and contributing to the design and implementation of new control systems.

What You Will Do:

• Develop new features for control systems.
• Maintain existing control software for x-ray beamlines and measurement devices.
• Create software drivers for motor controllers, sensors, cameras, and instruments.
• Design new software features and equipment integrations based on scientists' requests.
• Capture requirements from scientists.
• Document systems from code comments to design specifications.
• Assist in commissioning new installations, including wiring reviews and initial startup.
• Complete and apply safety training.
• Present to ALS staff occasionally.
• Collaborate with other Scientific User Facilities.

What is

Required:

Controls Software Engineer Level 2:

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 5 years related experience, Master’s Degree + 3 years related experience, or equivalent work experience.
• 4+ years of experience with Python.
• 2+ years of experience with an additional language (e.g., C++, Rust, Typescript, Swift, Kotlin, LabVIEW, or others).
• Experience with distributed control systems.
• Ambitious desire to work in a specialized environment, collaborating with various stakeholders to solve unique needs, or experience in both a research and development environment.
• Knowledge of standard algorithms and data structures.
• Familiarity with software project management (revision control, build tools, issue tracking, CI tools).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with system integrations (sensors, instruments, motor controllers).
• Analog and digital data acquisition.
• Networking protocols, web development, and databases.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Team player, capable of interacting well with external collaborators and scientists.

In Addition, the Controls Software Engineer Level 3:

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 8 years related experience, Master’s Degree + 6 years related experience, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience with Python.
• 5+ years of experience with an additional language (e.g., C++, Rust, Typescript, Swift, Kotlin, LabVIEW, or others).
• Proficient in Linux and Windows.
• 3+ years of experience with EPICS or TANGO control systems.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Expertise in object-oriented design patterns.
• Experience with Python asyncio.
• Familiarity with the Bluesky control project.

The Controls Software Engineer Level 2 position offers an annual salary ranging from $132,000 to $161,000, which fits within the overall salary range of $117,132 to $197,676. The final salary offered will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and alignment with the internal peer group.

The Controls Software Engineer Level 3 position offers an annual salary ranging from $157,000 to $192,000, which fits within the overall salary range of $139,440 to $235,308. The final salary offered will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and alignment with the internal peer group.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• This position may be subject to a background…