Software Developer, Experiment Controls

Job Description

Are you a software engineer motivated by building applications that power scientific discovery? 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 Software Developer to join the Engineering and Design controls team. The role focuses on developing and maintaining Python and C/C++ applications and automation scripts that serve as an essential interface for controlling complex experiments, enabling scientific research.

LCLS is the world’s first hard x‑ray free electron laser (XFEL) with unprecedented capabilities in photon energy range, peak power, and pulse lengths. With eight independent instruments in operation, the facility probes the structure and dynamics of matter at atomic size and timescales. As a member of the ECS Engineering and Design department, the Software Developer will help develop and deliver Python, C, and EPICS software for LCLS projects at varying scales, collaborating with scientists and engineers to translate experimental requirements into reliable, maintainable software solutions.

• Develop, maintain, and own high‑level Python and C/C++ applications and libraries essential for experiment operations, instrument control, and data acquisition.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to translate experimental requirements into well‑designed, reliable, and maintainable software solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in the software application stack, from user graphical interfaces down to communication with the control system infrastructure, primarily consisting of EPICS.
• Contribute to collaboration with team members and international groups on public and private software packages on Git Hub, including reviewing peer‑submitted code.
• Develop and refine engineering processes and tools, contributing to strategic improvements and long‑term system reliability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field, and five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python and Python GUI development (PyQt).
• Experience working with C/C++ code development and maintenance.
• Experience with version control systems, particularly Git, and collaborative development workflows.
• Experience performing end‑to‑end ownership of tasks, including project management, schedule, and stakeholder management.
• Experience working in cross‑disciplinary teams or environments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience with EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System) development.
• Familiarity with EPICS Channel Access (CA) and/or PV Access (PVA) protocols.
• Experience working in a scientific, research, or academic environment.
• Extensive experience working in Linux environments, preferably RHEL or Rocky Linux.
• Good understanding of network architecture and operational technology systems.
• Familiarity with control systems concepts and infrastructure.
• Experience leveraging AI models and tools to accelerate development and build AI applications that improve operational effectiveness.
• M.Sc. in Computer Engineering/Science, Physical Science, or a closely related field.

• Classification
  
  Title:
  
  Software Developer 2
• Job Code: 4822, Grade: J
• Duration:
  Regular Continuing

Consistent with its obligations under the law, SLAC will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

The expected pay range for this position is $138,402 - $163,985 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.