Staff Engineer - Protection Systems

Position Overview

Are you passionate about solving complex technical challenges in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment? Do you thrive in a world‑class scientific research setting, contributing to breakthrough discoveries and working with cutting‑edge experimental instrumentation? Join the Operations Division of the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) as a safety systems engineer in the Protection Systems Group.

• Infrastructure Modernization:
  Drive the phased migration of legacy MPS hardware to modern PLC‑based interlock systems. Design "bridge" interfaces that allow new PLC racks to communicate with existing legacy chassis during multi‑year upgrade cycles.
• Legacy Facility Support:
  Act as the subject matter expert for the current protection interlocks. Troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate legacy vacuum gauge controllers and relay‑based logic to minimize downtime for the SSRL scientific user program.
• PLC Logic Development:
  Architect and program safety‑critical interlock logic using Studio 5000 (Ladder, Structured Text). Develop Add‑On Instructions (AOIs) for standardized control of vacuum valves, pumps, and gauges.
• HMI & Diagnostics:
  Develop HMI screens and data‑logging routines to provide "First‑Out" fault detection, allowing operators to identify the exact sensor that initiated a machine trip.
• Commissioning & Testing:
  Develop test procedures and lead "Dry Run" testing of interlock chains during maintenance shutdowns to verify that logic correctly inhibits beam operation under fault conditions.
• Engineering Documentation:
  Own and maintain system documentation, including interlock logic descriptions, I/O lists, test procedures, configuration records, and operational notes. Ensure updates are captured as part of upgrade, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. Apply configuration management, version control, and formal change control practices to safety‑critical protection systems in accordance with SLAC Conduct of Engineering.
• Operational Support:
  Participate in a shared on‑call responsibility to provide 24/7 support for critical Machine Protection Systems, primarily during beam operations. Work closely with accelerator physics, operations, vacuum, controls, and experimental systems groups to ensure protection systems meet the evolving needs of SSRL’s scientific user program.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with PLC‑based interlock systems.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems, particularly in "mixed‑technology" environments where modern PLCs must interface with legacy hardware.
• Experience documenting engineering changes and writing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Effective communication skills across multidisciplinary teams, including physics, engineering, and operations.
• Willingness to provide occasional 24/7 support for the assigned systems.

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience with PLC‑based interlock systems, preferably in the Allen‑Bradley (Rockwell) suite.
• Hardware experience with Allen‑Bradley PLCs and HMIs, or equivalent PLC architectures.
• Experience working in an accelerator facility. Experience with PLC interface and control software for:
  Power Supplies, RF, Beam Position Monitors and other beam diagnostics, digitizers, Motion Control, Thermocouples, Radiation Monitors, and vacuum instrumentation.
• Experience designing, engineering, and implementing safety instrumented systems in alignment with functional safety standards.
• Knowledge of Linux, Python, MATLAB, EPICS.

• 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 his or her job.
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

The expected pay range for this position is $134,906 – $164,965 per annum.