Controls & AI Systems Engineer

Job Overview

• The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a directorate of the Stanford Linear Accelerate (SLAC) National Laboratory has an opening for a Project Engineer with experience in controls engineering, data collection frameworks, software development and deployment. SSRL is developing and implementing controls systems software based on Python to enable real time data handling to support in-situ, operando, and ultimately autonomous experimentation at the synchrotron. In this role, you will apply your engineering and software skills to work with the world’s leading research groups developing new materials to solve global energy challenges. This position will serve to unify, implement, and test existing free open source software tools, and also to extend the functionality of existing tools and contribute them back to the community. Development will be driven by current scientific focus of SSRL with a primary focus on developing data analysis pipelines and autonomous control approaches for x-ray scattering, diffraction, absorption, and imaging problems. Objectives will include readying existing beamlines for the deployment of machine learning algorithms that will be used for autonomous data analysis and experimental steering and are expected to lead to publication of scientific research employing these tools.
• Your specific responsibilities include:
• + Implement modern electronics controls software like The Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) for controlling complex instrumentation.

+ Deploy the next generation data collection framework “bluesky” at SSRL beamlines.

+ Execute all programming tasks, including programming, analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, modifying, and maintaining computer programs. Work on systems of small to moderate size and complexity or segments of larger systems.

+ Survey, assess, modify, and employ existing free software tools.

+ Develop, test, deploy, and promote cross-platform software in the public domain.

+ Communicate regularly and clearly with co-developers as well as experimentalists.

+ Publish or assist in publishing results of scientific research pertaining to the developed software packages.

+ Assess stakeholder needs and requirements.

+ Design and develop applications that may involve sophisticated data manipulation.

+ Maintain and update existing programs.

+ Troubleshoot and solve technical problems.

+ Create programs to meet reporting and analysis needs.

+ Design and implement staff training.

+ Document changes in software for end users.

+ Follow team software development methodology.

+ Serve as technical resource with respect to applications.

+ Other duties may also be assigned.

• Note: This is a 2-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension or conversion to a regular- continuing position. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.
• To be successful in this position you will bring:

+ Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, software engineering or related field and experience with controls engineering

+ Strong knowledge of at least one programming language e.g. python

+ Some familiarity with electronics controls systems

+ Experience with user experience design and implementation

+ Current knowledge of latest software and design standards.

+ Ability to define and solve logical problems for technical applications.

+ Knowledge of and ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods.

+ Ability to recognize and recommend needed changes in user and/or operations procedures.

+ Basic knowledge of software engineering principles.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, with hands-on experience in scientific computing or data-driven research; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Experience developing and deploying software packages in the public domain.
• Developing with scientific data acquisition frameworks (such as Bluesky) and implementing machine learning methods for data analysis or experimental steering.
• Awareness and enthusiasm for the impact of software tools in the scientific community.
• Fluency with git and related team development tools.
• Proficiency working in UNIX and Windows environments.
• Reliability, especially in regular communications with colleagues.
• SLAC employee competencies:
• + Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner

+ Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing

+ Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes

+ Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward

+ Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes

+ Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriately written, spoken, presented messages

+ Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals

Responsibilities

Summary:

Entry-level position for a developing professional with a solid knowledge within a field of specialty, typically with a BS or MS or equivalent in science, engineering or other technical specialties with minimal relevant experience.

Works as an individual contributor under the general direction of higher level staff.

Scope of Impact

Contributes to the progress and milestones of specific projects or programs.

Knowledge and Expertise

Good understanding and the ability to interpret and apply fundamental theories, concepts, and practices within a field of specialty to well-defined assignments of limited scope.

Program Development

Contributes to the completion of milestones associated with specific projects and technical products to accomplish the laboratory’s goals.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

BS or an equivalent combination of education and relevant years of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Pay Frequency Annually
• Fixed Term Y
• SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (Hybrid)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Regular or Temporary Regular

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Job Category

Research - Engineering

• Posting Date 10/17/2026, 02:00 AM
• Grade I
• Job Identification 201009

Benefits that support you, and your future

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18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

World-class exercise facilities

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403k plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.

Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

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

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential.

To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job.

All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation), illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.