LCLS Experimental Systems Engineering Department Head

LCLS Experimental Systems Engineering Department Head

Job

6753

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Regular

** SLAC Job Postings*
* ** Position Overview*
* The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Engineering Division at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a dynamic and experienced mechanical engineer to lead the  
** Experimental Systems Engineering Department** . This critical leadership role involves managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers who develop, integrate, and maintain the cutting-edge systems supporting LCLS's mission of advancing scientific discovery.

LCLS, a premier X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) facility operated by Stanford University for the Department of Energy's Office of Science, enables groundbreaking research across diverse fields such as clean energy, pharmaceuticals, and astrophysics. The facility includes seven specialized instruments optimized for unique scientific applications, and its ongoing evolution
¿ including upgrades to experimental instruments and the introduction of a petawatt-class laser for extreme conditions research
¿ presents exciting engineering challenges.

As the head of the Experimental Systems Engineering Department, in addition to engineering responsibilities, you will manage a team of engineers, provide supervision, guidance and training, foster staff development, promote engineering rigor, and participate in hiring activities to support the LCLS mission.

This position administratively reports to the LCLS Engineering Division Leader within the LCLS Directorate.

** Key Responsibilities*
* +  
** Strategic Leadership** :
Define and execute the vision for the department, ensuring alignment with LCLS
¿ s strategic goals and mission.

+  
** Engineering Excellence** :
Oversee the design, integration, commissioning, and operational transition of complex experimental systems, ensuring high performance and reliability.

+  
** Team Management** :
Supervise and mentor a team of engineers, fostering growth and ensuring adherence to engineering rigor and quality standards.

+  
** Project Oversight** :
Lead department contributions to large-scale projects, ensuring milestones are met and deliverables align with LCLS objectives.

+  
** Collaboration** :
Build and maintain productive relationships across LCLS, SLAC, and external stakeholders to advance engineering initiatives.

+  
** Continuous Improvement** :
Promote engineering rigor through adherence to the LCLS Conduct of Engineering standards and develop process improvements for quality control and documentation.

+  
** Resource Management** :
Oversee departmental budgets, schedules, and priorities while maintaining workload balance and progress on assigned projects.

** Specific responsibilities include the following:*
* + Provide strategic leadership and direction of complex scientific, engineering, or technical research organization(s) or program(s) with responsibility for overall success. Achieve mission and goals through the management of staff and/or managerial staff engaged in developing, advancing and applying science, engineering and technology.

+ Provide strategy and vision; make decisions that establish objectives for the overall direction or operation of a significant project(s) or area(s).

+ Manage staff of a large science, engineering, and/or technical research area, which includes recruiting, hiring, developing, evaluating and setting priorities; manage business, technical, and educational activities for direct reports including managers and technical experts.

+ Identify, clarify, and resolve issues with strategic impact and substantial significance, which span multiple areas, using advanced technical and professional knowledge requiring broad discretion and judgment.

+ Collaborate with others on the direction of activities relevant to long-term objectives. Develop strategies to ensure effective achievement of objectives.

+ Develop policies and procedures as they relate to academic or program activities.

+ Implement, evaluate and maintain quality control standards to ensure program success.

+ Establish, oversee and manage financials and schedule for large programs and/or multiple projects.

+ Recommend the adoption of emerging technologies and the development of new methods and approaches.

+ Negotiate with internal departments and external agencies with authority to commit resources and effort.

+ Serve as a liaison to senior management, cross-functional areas, schools and external organizations such as sponsors and government agencies.

** To be successful in this position you will bring:*
* + Bachelor
¿ s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field and eight years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience in industry or national laboratories. Advanced degree may be required

+ Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills with experience in managing technical teams.

+ Expertise in engineering tools such as CAD (e.g., Creo, Solid Edge), PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and FEA…