Mechanical Engineer, SSRL Accelerator Division; Level 2

Position Overview

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is a national Department of Energy Office of Science user facility providing synchrotron radiation for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, material science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains the 3 GeV electron storage ring SPEAR3, the associated injector facility, and synchrotron‑radiation beamlines on SPEAR
3.

The SSRL Accelerator Division operates, maintains, and upgrades the SSRL accelerator complex and performs research and development toward a future major upgrade for the facility. The Mechanical Engineering (ME) group of the SSRL Accelerator Division is responsible for the design, analysis, and upkeep of the mechanical subsystems of the SSRL accelerators, including magnets, vacuum chambers, and cooling water systems, as well as the mechanical aspects of all other subsystems, such as RF, diagnostics and instrumentation, controls, and safety systems.

The SSRL Accelerator Division seeks a skilled mechanical engineer to expand the group's capabilities and fulfill its mission.

• Plan and design accelerator mechanical systems by interfacing with physicists, scientists, and other engineers to develop project requirements. Prepare drawings and documentation packages, participate in design reviews, and support the engineering process from conception through design, construction, and field installation.
• Develop component concepts and 3‑D models, perform analysis and materials selection, determine and apply appropriate design and manufacturing standards, and prepare thorough documentation in compliance with SSRL standards.
• Inspect and review conditions of accelerator mechanical systems, develop and implement maintenance plans, and interface with technicians and operations staff to ensure proper system maintenance.
• Prepare design reports, design reviews, cost estimates, project schedules, system documentation, and test reports.
• Coordinate accelerator‑related work with other SLAC departments such as Facilities, Environment Safety & Health, Accelerator Operations, and others as necessary.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, applied or engineering physics, or a related scientific field and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.
• Ability to conceptualize mechanical and system designs, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and innovative thinking.
• Ability to develop and follow detailed engineering specifications, system control documents, detailed project schedules, policy documents, and safety procedures.
• Exposure to a broad range of materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering design concepts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially when interfacing with physicists, scientists, engineers, and technicians, to convey complex technical concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to utilize CAD and finite‑element analysis (FEA) tools to model and analyze mechanical designs and assist others in the utilization of these tools.
• Experience designing accelerator components such as magnets, vacuum chambers, water‑cooling channels, high‑radiation environments, or high‑power radio‑frequency components.

• Consistent with 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.

Pay range: The expected pay range for this position is $134,967 – $164,720 per annum.