Stanford University

Staff Engineer - SSRL Materials Science Division

Stanford University • $110K — $130K *
Menlo Park, CA 94025In-Person
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, chemistry or related field.
  • At least 2 years of experience in a scientific, engineering, or technical environment.
  • Hands-on experience with small/wide angle x-ray scattering, diffraction, or microscopy.
  • Proficiency in mechanical design using parametric CAD software like SolidWorks.
  • Strong skills in assembling complex mechanical systems and handling delicate instruments.
  • Scientific programming experience, preferably in Python.
  • Ability to interface scientific instrumentation with Linux and Windows.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop experimental hardware for synchrotron experiments.
  • Scope and execute projects to expand experimental capabilities.
  • Prototype and maintain beamline hardware and provide technical support.
  • Align x-ray optics and resolve performance issues.
  • Manage beamline scheduling and maintenance needs and duties.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with scientists and technical experts.
  • Opportunity to work on advanced research projects at the forefront of technology.
  • Potential for on-call duties that enhance professional exposure.
  • Hands-on experience with cutting-edge experimental setups.
Full Job Description
Position Overview:

SSRL is seeking an outstanding Staff Engineer to join a dynamic scientific research environment in the hard x-ray group of the Materials Science Division. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide engineering support to the hard x-ray group, including assisting scientists with instrument development on the end stations and working with scientists and users to develop new sample environments, such as rapid heating/cooling, strain or high-pressure cells, chemical and electrochemical environments, or laser excitation setups.

Your specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Design and develop in-situ/operando experimental hardware and technical capabilities for advanced synchrotron experiments.
  • Identify, scope and execute projects that expand experimental capabilities, improve system reliability, and streamline beamline operations.
  • Design, prototype, commission, and maintain beamline hardware, and provide high-quality technical support for scientific operations.
  • Contribute engineering input to the beam time scheduling by aligning instrument readiness, maintenance needs, and experimental requirements.
  • Align x-ray optics, diagnose beam quality issues, and resolve system-level performance problems.
  • May serve as a beam line program manager (requires periodic on-call duties).
  • Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this position you will bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, chemistry or related field and at least 2 years of experience in a scientific, engineering, or technical environment, including:
    • Hands-on experience with small/wide angle x-ray scattering, diffraction, reflectivity, or microscopy with synchrotron radiation instrumentation.
    • Hands-on experience with in-situ/operando instrument design.
    • Mechanical design and drawing creation using parametric CAD software such as SolidWorks or Solid Edge.
    • Working knowledge of mechanical fabrication techniques, precision mechanism design, and kinematic design principles related to mechanical systems design.
    • Strong hands-on skills in assembling complex mechanical systems and handling delicate instruments.
    • Scientific programming experience, such as Python.
    • Experience interfacing scientific instrumentation or industrial controls with Linux and Windows operating systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate concepts into practical designs, supported by strong analytical and problem-solving, and creative engineering judgment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of scientists, technical staff and user groups in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
  • Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Ability to write clear technical documentation, engineering notes, and user manuals.
  • Ability to evaluate and troubleshoot sophisticated electro-mechanical and logic control systems.

In addition, preferred qualifications include the following areas:
  • Knowledge of beamline control and data acquisition software such as EPICS, SPEC, or ICS.
  • Experience tuning x-ray optics and opto-electro-mechanical systems.
  • Experience with beamline optics simulation using ray-tracing software.

About Stanford University

Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. The university was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their son, Leland Stanford Jr. Stanford is known for its academic excellence and research programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, computer science, and the sciences. The university has a diverse student body and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines. Stanford is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Stanford Research Institute and the Hoover Institution. The university is committed to advancing knowledge and improving the world through education and research.
Learn more about Stanford University
Size
14,945 employees
Industry
Education, Government & Non-Profit
* Ladders Estimates

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