Argonne National Laboratory

Physicist – Control Systems & Magnetic Devices

Argonne National Laboratory$116K — $181K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Physics, Accelerator Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related field with at least 4 years of experience.
  • Proficiency in EPICS and experience with programming languages such as C/C++, Python, and operating systems like Linux.
  • Demonstrated expertise in designing and commissioning control systems in large-scale research or industrial settings.
  • Proven ability to lead technical projects and manage complex systems with minimal supervision.
  • Strong track record of scientific contributions through publications and conference presentations.
  • Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills, especially in multidisciplinary team settings.
  • Ability to embody and promote Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the enhancement and troubleshooting of control systems for over 60 insertion devices mainly using the EPICS framework.
  • Ensure reliable operations of the storage ring and integrate AI/ML technologies for improved diagnostics and maintenance.
  • Manage and support control systems in three magnetic measurement laboratories for optimal accuracy.
  • Design innovative instrumentation solutions for next-generation light sources and coordinate project execution.
  • Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including scientists and engineers, throughout various project phases.
  • Contribute to scientific advancement through original research and mentor junior staff and students.
  • Perform additional duties as required.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Retirement plans with substantial employer contribution.
  • Generous paid time off including vacation and sick leave.
  • Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
  • Flexible work arrangements and remote work options available.
Full Job Description

The Magnetic Devices Group (MDG) within the Accelerator Systems Division (ASD) of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) seeks a Physicist focusing on developing advanced control systems and providing operational support for critical magnetic device infrastructure at a world-class user facility.

The successful candidate will lead efforts to modernize and maintain control systems for over 60 insertion devices (IDs) in the APS storage ring, oversee controls for three magnetic measurement laboratories, and help design ID control architectures for next-generation light sources. This position requires strong technical judgment, scientific leadership, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance, maintainable instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Control System Development & Support: Lead the enhancement, modernization, and troubleshooting of control systems for 60+ insertion devices and associated infrastructure, primarily using the EPICS framework.

  • Operations & AI/ML Integration: Ensure reliable, efficient storage ring operations. Leverage emerging AI/ML technologies to improve diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency.

  • Laboratory Management: Oversee and support the control systems of three dedicated magnetic measurement laboratories to ensure accuracy and operational readiness.

  • R&D and Leadership: Design advanced instrumentation solutions for next-generation light sources. Define system architectures, establish priorities, and coordinate project execution from concept to commissioning.

  • Collaboration & Community Engagement: Partner with scientists, engineers, and technical staff across project phases. Establish productive collaborations with other national laboratories, universities, industry partners, and international research institutions.

  • Scientific Contributions & Mentoring: Advance accelerator and magnetic device technologies through original research, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations. Mentor junior staff, postdocs, and students.

  • May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Physics, Accelerator Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a closely related field and 4+ years9 experience.

  • Demonstrated proficiency with EPICS. Experience with C/C++, Python, Linux, and PLC-based systems is highly desirable.

  • Proven track record in the design, deployment, and commissioning of control systems within large-scale scientific or industrial research environments.

  • Demonstrated ability to take full lifecycle ownership of complex systems and lead technical projects independently across multiple stakeholders.

  • Evidence of scientific achievement via peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, or conference contributions.

  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills; excellent communication and teamwork capabilities for working in multidisciplinary environments.

  • Ability to model Argonne9s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

  • Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

  • Experience with control systems for accelerators, beamlines, insertion devices, or large-scale user facilities.

  • Practical application of AI/ML techniques to controls, diagnostics, or operational optimization.

  • Familiarity with distributed control architectures, industrial networking, motion control, and high-availability environments.

  • Experience supervising or mentoring scientific, engineering, or technical personnel.

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Physics 3

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time


The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250.00 - $181,350.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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About Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne National Laboratory is a science and engineering research national laboratory operated by the University of Chicago Argonne LLC for the United States Department of Energy. It is located in Lemont, Illinois, outside of Chicago. Argonne conducts research in a variety of fields, including energy, environment, national security, and technology. The laboratory was founded in 1946 as part of the Manhattan Project and has since become one of the largest science and engineering research laboratories in the United States.
Learn more about Argonne National Laboratory
Size
3,400 employees
Industry
Founded
1946

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