RF Engineer

Job Description

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a talented engineer to join the Radio Frequency (RF) Department of the Electronic Engineering Division (EED) in the Accelerator Directorate. The RF department is responsible for the RF systems of all accelerators and many test facilities throughout SLAC.

As part of the Electronics Engineering RF team you will partner with experienced engineering staff to develop, deploy and support a diverse range of RF systems. We are looking for highly motivated people with a strong desire to learn and a commitment to excellence while managing complexity in a dynamic environment.

SLAC continues to push the frontiers of human knowledge, driving discoveries and innovations that benefit humankind. Our 2-mile-long particle accelerator complex is the lab’s backbone. It now generates the world’s brightest X-rays for the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) revolutionary X‑ray laser.

Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

• Design RF systems to control cavities, amplifiers and associated electronics for phase distribution and synchronization.
• Model complex systems including the stability of accelerator RF cavities and their support systems.
• Develop, install, test and troubleshoot RF systems as an active member of rapid response teams, including supporting electronics systems, power supplies, and controllers.
• Work with system engineers, designers, and project managers to identify technical or organizational problems, and provide recommendations and corrective actions.
• Maintain documentation and records for procedures, materials and tools necessary for job installation; coordinate the purchase of tools and equipment.
• Inspect and validate project plans and field installations; manage, monitor, and oversee project execution; document and report project progress.
• Document work using standard SLAC documentation practices in SLAC resources, databases and drawings.
• Occasionally publish work in proceedings and/or peer‑reviewed journals.
• Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other laboratory staff; ensure critical engineering decisions are communicated and followed through by all support groups.

• Bachelor’s degree (MS preferred) in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields and at least two years of experience in RF systems design and development.
• Solid understanding of RF and RF electronics engineering principles.
• Deep knowledge of controls theory and modern implementation, including modeling system stability.
• Experience with safe operation of high‑power RF systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge in testing and debugging field devices and test equipment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi‑task and complete assignments.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and collaborative work environment.
• Familiarity with the development and testing of computer controls and user interfaces.
• Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to synthesize complex technical and scientific information.
• Established record of publications of journal and conference papers commensurate with the level of education achieved; occasional publication in proceedings and/or peer‑reviewed journals is expected.

• Effective Decisions:
  Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self‑Development:
  Pursues a variety of learning and development opportunities.
• Dependability:
  Can be counted on to deliver results with personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative:
  Proactively pursues work and interactions with optimism and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability:
  Adjusts to change with an open outlook and accommodates changes as needed.
• Communication:
  Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and delivers clear written and spoken messages.
• Relationships:
  Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate for common goals.

• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrates ability to work well with colleagues and external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety:
  Commits to personal responsibility for safety and security, communicates concerns, and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Compliance:
  Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable university policies and procedures, including the ESH Manual and Department policies.
• Security:
  Adheres to HSPD‑12 and DOE Order 473.1A, obtaining and maintaining a PIV credential and completing the required tier of federal background investigation.

• Title:
  
  Staff Engineer 2
• Grade: K, Job code: 0132
• Duration:
  Regular Continuing
• Pay range: $116,338 to $164,719 per annum (based on scope, responsibilities, qualifications, and market).