Staff Engineer 2 - SXR

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a SLAC Directorate at Stanford University, is a national scientific user facility that provides synchrotron radiation capabilities for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, materials science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains the 3 GeV SPEAR3 electron storage ring, its associated injector facility, and the synchrotron radiation beamlines on SPEAR
3.

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a SLAC Directorate at Stanford University, is a national scientific user facility that provides synchrotron radiation capabilities for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, materials science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains the 3 GeV SPEAR3 electron storage ring, its associated injector facility, and the synchrotron radiation beamlines on SPEAR
3.

SSRL is seeking an outstanding engineer to join the Soft X-ray Group within the Materials Sciences Division. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic scientific research environment and provide engineering support for the operation, maintenance, development, and upgrade of soft x-ray beamlines and experimental end stations.

This position requires not only strong mechanical design and CAD capabilities, but also a hands‑on ability to assemble, integrate, test, troubleshoot, and commission complex scientific equipment in the laboratory and at the beamline.

The engineer will work closely with scientists, technicians, designers, and other engineers to translate scientific requirements into reliable and practical instrumentation.

The primary responsibilities include optimizing and upgrading existing soft x-ray beamlines, supporting the development of new experimental instruments and end stations, and helping ensure the safe and reliable operation of beamline and end station systems.

• Manage engineering projects through the full lifecycle, including concept development, requirements definition, design, analysis, prototyping, procurement, fabrication, assembly, testing, installation, commissioning, and documentation.
• Work closely with scientists to translate experimental and operational needs into practical engineering requirements and technical designs.
• Coordinate with technicians, machinists, vendors, designers, and other engineers to ensure that components and systems are fabricated, assembled, installed, and tested correctly.
• Develop, construct, integrate, and commission complex scientific instruments and experimental end stations.
• Perform hands‑on assembly, alignment, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical, vacuum, motion‑control, and experimental systems in laboratory and beamline environments.
• Design, prototype, procure, assemble, and validate scientific equipment and components.
• Develop and integrate automated or semi‑automated systems for beamline operation, sample handling, instrument control, or experimental workflows.
• Support the integration of robotics, motion systems, sensors, cameras, actuators, and other mechatronic components into scientific instruments.
• Maintain, modify, repair, and troubleshoot beamline equipment, experimental end stations, and associated support systems.
• Prepare engineering drawings, assembly procedures, test plans, technical documentation, and safety‑related documentation.
• Participate in field installation activities and provide engineering support during equipment commissioning and user operations.
• Help ensure that all equipment and activities comply with applicable engineering, quality assurance, and safety requirements.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, industrial design, or a related engineering discipline, and at least 2 years of relevant experience in mechanical design using CAD systems, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, develop, and evaluate mechanical…