X-ray Spectroscopy Support Engineer

Position Overview

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), is a Department of Energy national scientific user facility. SSRL operates ~30 experimental stations (beam lines) that enable research in areas such as chemistry, catalysis, biology, medical, environmental, and materials sciences. Each beam line is tailored to specific techniques, spanning a specific x‑ray energy range, to study materials from atomic to mm size level and over different time scales, necessitating a highly varied approach to instrumentation, sample environment and data acquisition.

The beam line facilities are made available to an international scientific user community, with SSRL staff providing scientific and technical support in their use.

SSRL is seeking a Science and Engineering Associate to be part of a dynamic scientific research environment. In this position, you will provide technical support and operational oversight for the X‑ray spectroscopy beam lines and associated experimental equipment. You will provide support for visiting scientific users as well as scientific and engineering staff.

The position requires working an extended or unusual work schedule for nine months of the year.

• Assist with the installation, testing, operation and troubleshooting of X‑ray spectroscopy end‑station instrumentation (mechanical, cryogenic‑vacuum and control systems).
• Assist with user and staff technical support on X‑ray spectroscopy beam lines.
• Participate in the development, design, prototyping, procurement and commissioning of scientific equipment.
• Modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment.
• Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, job orders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated with development, fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing with supervision from scientific staff.
• Support scientific or engineering installations; plan and execute various phases of an operation, oversee schedule of equipment operations, and perform routine maintenance.
• Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental or engineering projects.
• Maintain documentation related to instrumentation and protocols.
• Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

• Associate degree or certificate of completion in engineering or scientific discipline, or three years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.
• Experience with design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization.
• Ability to evaluate and troubleshoot electro‑mechanical, cryogenic or vacuum systems.
• Experience in mechanical design and fabrication drawing creation using computer solids modeling software such as Solid Works or Solid Edge is a bonus. Understanding of machining and other fabrication techniques as they relate to mechanical systems design.
• Experience applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as work unsupervised within strict procedural guidelines.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and check own work.
• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, chemistry or other closely related field is highly desired, or extensive and relevant experience in one of these fields or with scientific instrumentation.
• Machine shop experience is highly…