Controls Software Engineer

LBL • $104K — $127K *
Berkeley, CA 94704In-Person
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree with no required experience; or equivalent experience.
  • Experience developing software in C/C++ and Python.
  • Proficiency with Linux operating systems and shell scripting.
  • Knowledge of software engineering concepts and practices for troubleshooting and problem resolution.
  • Effective communication skills to build relationships with technical partners.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work under minimal supervision.
  • Familiarity with Laboratory safety practices.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain EPICS-based control system software for accelerator operations.
  • Create user-friendly graphical interfaces and related applications for operational use.
  • Integrate software with scientific instruments and control hardware in a collaborative setting.
  • Troubleshoot and support system commissioning and operations issues.
  • Prepare comprehensive technical documentation for software applications and designs.
  • Participate in peer code reviews and testing procedures to enhance software quality.
  • Provide off-hours support for ALS operations as needed.

Benefits

  • Collaborative engineering and scientific work environment.
  • Opportunity for professional growth through on-the-job experience in advanced research.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology in a prominent national laboratory.
  • Flexible appointment option with potential for career development based on performance.
Full Job Description
In this role, you will develop, deploy, test, document, and maintain control system software and tools that support accelerator and beamline operations at the Advanced Light Source (ALS). Working in a collaborative engineering and scientific environment, you will contribute to EPICS-based control applications, graphical user interfaces, data acquisition and logging tools, and software integrations with instruments and control hardware.

You will:

Level 1:
  • Develop, modify, test, deploy, and maintain EPICS-based control system software, services, and associated tools for accelerator and beamline operations.
  • Develop and maintain graphical user interfaces, data acquisition and logging applications, monitoring tools, and related operator-facing software using standard ALS and EPICS tools.
  • Support the integration of control software with instruments, sensors, control hardware, and operational infrastructure in collaboration with engineers, scientists, operators, and other technical partners.
  • Participate in software and system commissioning, validation, troubleshooting, and operational support. Analyze moderate-scope issues, review relevant technical factors, select appropriate actions within established practices, and escalate issues when needed.
  • Create and execute appropriate software tests; participate in peer code reviews; and use established source control, issue management, release, documentation, and testing practices.
  • Prepare and maintain clear technical documentation describing software designs, interfaces, configurations, test results, operating procedures, and completed work.
  • Produce initial technical reports or analyses for review by more experienced team members.
  • Build productive working relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to resolve shared technical and operational problems.
  • Communicate status, risks, technical findings, and support needs clearly and promptly.
  • Complete required Laboratory safety training and consistently apply applicable environment, health, safety, and security requirements in daily work.
  • Provide occasional scheduled or emergency off-hours support, consistent with Laboratory practices, to help sustain reliable operation of the ALS as a 24/7 user facility.

In addition to the above, the Level 2 will:
  • Design EPICS-based control system software, services, and associated tools for accelerator and beamline operations.
  • Plan and carry out the integration of control software with instruments, sensors, control hardware, and operational infrastructure in collaboration with engineers, scientists, operators, and other technical partners.
  • Perform software and system commissioning, validation, troubleshooting, and operational support. Analyze moderate-scope issues, review relevant technical factors, select appropriate actions within established practices, and escalate issues when needed.
  • Enhance relationships with senior internal and external partners to resolve shared technical and operational problems. Adapt communication to the audience and clearly convey status, risks, recommendations, and findings, using persuasion when needed.


We are looking for:

Level 1:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, another engineering discipline, the physical sciences, or a related field, and a minimum of two years of related professional experience; or an advanced degree in a related field without required experience; or equivalent work experience.
  • Developing professional knowledge of software engineering concepts and the ability to apply organizational policies, procedures, and established technical practices to troubleshoot and resolve a variety of moderate-scope issues.
  • Experience developing software in C/C++ and Python.
  • Experience using Linux operating systems and shell scripting.
  • Ability to gather relevant information, interpret logs and test results, evaluate identifiable factors, and determine an appropriate course of action within defined practices.
  • Knowledge of collaborative software development practices, including version control, issue tracking, code review, documentation, testing, and release or deployment workflows; and the ability to develop and maintain reliable software interfaces and applications.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build productive working relationships with engineers, scientists, operators, software developers, and other partners.
  • Ability to organize assigned work, manage priorities, meet commitments, and work effectively with general instruction on routine assignments and detailed instruction on new projects or assignments.
  • Ability to learn and apply Laboratory safety requirements and to perform work safely in an operational scientific environment.

In addition to the above, Level 2:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, another engineering discipline, the physical sciences, or a related field, and a minimum of five years of related professional experience; or a master's degree in a related field and a minimum of three years of related professional experience; or equivalent work experience.
  • Ability to analyze software and system problems of diverse scope, evaluate identifiable factors, interpret logs and test results, and exercise good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.


Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Experience with EPICS or a comparable distributed control system.
  • Experience supporting scientific experiments, accelerator facilities, beamlines, laboratories, or other research environments.
  • Experience integrating software with instruments, sensors, data acquisition systems, or control hardware.
  • Experience contributing to a multi-developer software project and participating in peer review and shared development workflows.


Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by September 4, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type: 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.
  • Salary range:
    • The expected salary for the Controls Software Engineer (Level 1) position is $104,580 - $127,836, which fits into the full salary of $92,964 - $156,876 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
    • The expected salary for the Controls Software Engineer (Level 2) position is $131,760 - $161,064, which fits into the full salary of $117,132 - $197,676 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
  • Background check: This position is 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.
  • Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at:Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
  • Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.


Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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