Control and Interlock Systems Engineer
Job in
Menlo Park, San Mateo County, California, 94025, USA
Listed on 2026-08-05
Listing for:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-08-05
Job specializations:
-
Engineering
Systems Engineer, Automation & Mechatronics Engineer, Electrical Engineering
Job Description & How to Apply Below
* *
* Working Title:
** Control and Interlock Systems Engineer
** Classification
Title:
** Staff Engineer 2
** Job code:
** 0132
** Grade:
** K
** Duration:
** Regular Continuing
** Reason for Opening:
** Addition
** Hiring Manager:
** Farooq, Usman
** Position Overview*
* Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Experiment Control Systems (ECS) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Control and Interlock Systems Engineer to spearhead interlock systems development for major facility upgrades as well as operational improvement projects for the facility.
As a member of the ECS Design & Engineering Team, you will join a multidisciplinary engineering group in the design, deployment, and commissioning of technology for controlling and protecting scientific instrumentation will work on developing and delivering highly functional machine protection interlock systems for LCLS projects at varying scales.
The LCLS control systems are responsible for enabling safe, reliable, and coordinated operation of beam delivery systems (laser and XFEL) and experimental instrumentation.
They support automated and interlocked control of complex mechatronic and instrumentation systems.
The delivery of these control systems requires a deep understanding of high-level stakeholder needs and the state-of-the-art technical capabilities. Successful control system delivery depends on interfacing with nearly all groups in the project process, managing relationships and maintaining a sufficient understanding of the evolution of the overall system design.
A successful hire will become a subject matter expert in the LCLS PLC-based and distributed control systems, with a focus on machine protection interlock systems, industrial networking, and associated controls infrastructure. The position will contribute to the design, implementation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of mission-critical controls systems supporting scientific operations.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop deep technical expertise in Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS integration, machine protection interlock systems, and distributed controls architectures while working closely with operations, engineering, and scientific staff to ensure safe, reliable, and maintainable system operation.
** Your specific responsibilities include** :
+ Develop and maintain machine protection interlock systems and other mission-critical controls infrastructure.
+ Develop system specifications, requirements, design documents, test procedures, and commissioning plans to meet stakeholder needs.
+ Design and implement controls architectures utilizing Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS, industrial networking technologies, and related controls frameworks.
+ Integrate controls systems with supervisory systems, operator interfaces, instrumentation, and facility infrastructure.
+ Diagnose issues in operational control systems, perform root-cause analysis, and implement reliability and maintainability improvements.
+ Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including functional specifications, architecture diagrams, interface documentation, and operating procedures.
+ Participate in controls upgrades, modernization efforts, and new facility or instrument development projects.
+ Research, evaluate, and implement new automation, controls, and industrial networking technologies.
+ Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, operators, vendors, and project teams to deliver integrated controls solutions.
+ Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for PLC-based and distributed control systems.
** To be successful in this position you will bring:*
* + Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline, and a minimum of five years of experience designing, implementing, commissioning, or supporting PLC-based interlock systems in scientific, industrial, manufacturing, or similar environments.
+ Extensive programming skills using IEC 61131-3 PLC languages with a focus on Structured Text programming
+
Experience with industrial control system architectures, distributed control systems, SCADA systems, and industrial networking technologies.
+ Experience designing, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial fieldbus networks such as EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, or similar technologies.
+ Experience integrating PLC systems with higher-level control and supervisory systems using technologies such as EPICS, OPC UA, ADS, Modbus, or similar communication protocols.
+ Understanding of industrial electrical engineering principles, instrumentation, signal circuits, and control system hardware.
+ Ability to read, develop, and maintain electrical schematics,…
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