Controls Software Engineer

Berkeley Lab's Engineering Division is seeking an innovative and creative Software Developer for a role in the Beamline Controls Group at the Advanced Light Source (ALS).

The ALS is on the brink of an expansive equipment upgrade that will transform its scientific capabilities and impact future scientific discoveries for decades to come. You will shape the new control system to provide groundbreaking abilities to our user communities.

Working with ALS scientists, you will solve unique problems that blend science, instrumentation, data acquisition, and motion control. You will bring your passion and curiosity to your key responsibilities that include supporting scientists, gathering requirements, developing and testing solutions for motors, instruments, detectors, and cameras, maintaining and implementing new features in existing applications, and contributing to the design and implementation of new control systems.

What You Will Do:

• Develop new features for control systems.
• Maintain existing control software for x-ray beamlines and measurement devices.
• Create software drivers for motor controllers, sensors, cameras, and instruments.
• Design new software features and equipment integrations based on scientists' requests.
• Capture requirements from scientists. Document systems from code comments to design specifications.
• Assist in commissioning new installations, including wiring reviews and initial startup.
• Complete and apply safety training. Present to ALS staff occasionally.
• Collaborate with other Scientific User Facilities.
  

What is

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 8 years related experience, Master’s Degree + 3 years related experience, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience with Python.
• 5+ years of experience with an additional language (e.g., C++, Rust, Typescript, Swift, Kotlin, LabVIEW, or others).
• Proficient in Linux and Windows.
• Experience with distributed control systems.
• Ambitious desire to work in a specialized environment, collaborating with various stakeholders to solve unique needs, or experience in both a research and development environment.
• Knowledge of standard algorithms and data structures.
• Familiarity with software project management (revision control, build tools, issue tracking, CI tools).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with system integrations (sensors, instruments, motor controllers).
• Analog and digital data acquisition.
• Networking protocols, web development, and databases.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Team player, capable of interacting well with external collaborators and scientists.
  

Desired

Qualifications:

• Expertise in object-oriented design patterns.
• Experience with Python asyncio.
• Experience with EPICS control system
• Familiarity with the Bluesky control project.

The Software Developer Beamline Controls position offers an annual salary ranging from $ to $, which fits within the overall salary range of $ to $. The final salary offered will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and alignment with the internal peer group.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Learn

About Us:

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science.

Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship , which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability ( IDEA ) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their…