Electronics Engineering Associate

Berkeley Lab is hiring an Electronics Engineering Associate to support the Advanced Light Source (ALS) and its upgrade project (ALS-U), with a primary focus on advanced cable plant infrastructure. The role includes assisting with the design, documentation, procurement, fabrication, installation, and testing of structured cabling systems. In addition to structured cabling, the position may involve supporting other subsystems such as Power Supplies, RF, Controls, Diagnostics, and Vacuum systems.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the design, documentation, and procurement processes for electronic systems.
• Overseeing fabrication, installation, and testing to ensure high-quality performance.
• Collaborating on various technical subsystems as needed.

This role requires hands-on experience in cable plant environments and a background in electronics or electrical engineering. By delivering high-quality technical solutions, this position plays a critical role in the successful execution of ALS-U projects.

What You Will Do:

• Assist in the design and installation of structured cabling and infrastructure.
• Perform hands-on work with cables, power supplies, and control devices in cable trays and trenches.
• Ensure compliance with electrical requirements (voltage, current, grounding, etc.).
• Test cables for continuity, signal strength, and interference post-installation.
• Assist in troubleshooting connectivity issues.
• Maintain qualifications (e.g., Qualified Electrical Worker) and adhere to electrical safety practices (LOTO, NFPA 70E).
• Document and maintain cabling systems and schematics using CAD tools.
• Use procurement systems (ePro/eBuy) and assist in procuring electronics equipment, ensuring compliance with standards (NEC, NRTL, LBNL).
• Coordinate timelines with other trades to prevent conflicts.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety protocols.
• Communicate clearly and adhere to safety standards.

Additional Responsibilities as Needed:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Use tools like cable testers, VNAs, TDRs, OTDRs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters, and HiPot testers.
• May supervise non-exempt personnel as needed.
• Support non-ALS-U projects at LBNL as required.

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/electronics engineering or related field, or equivalent experience, plus 3 years of professional experience.
• Strong background in circuit and system design, testing, troubleshooting, wiring, power distribution, and control systems, with proficiency in reading electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Experience creating and testing prototypes for new devices/systems.
• Strong foundation in electronics circuit/system design, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Some experience in cable plant design, electronic systems, and structured cabling (fiber optics, electrical/electronic components).
• Familiar with cable types (multi-conductor, fiber optic, coaxial, twisted pair) and specifications.
• Comprehensive knowledge of electrical codes (NEC), safety standards (NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, OSHA, IEC), lab safety protocols, and risk assessment in electromechanical systems, with familiarity with qualified electrical worker certification.
• Proficient in CAD design (AutoCAD, OrCAD, KiCAD, etc.) for schematic capture and layout.
• Able to work with mechanical models.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with teams and stakeholders.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with engineers, technicians, and stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/electronics engineering or related field, with 4 years of professional experience.
• Extensive technical experience in electrical/electronics engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of power distribution, networking, system integration, large electromagnets, and low-conductivity water monitoring systems.
• Knowledge of proper grounding to reduce noise and protect equipment.
• Experience with accelerator/beamline electronic systems or equivalent industrial experience.
• Understand building layouts and optimize cable paths.
• Support planning of conduits, cable trays, and pathways to avoid interference.
• Familiar with PLTC and plenum vs. non-plenum cables for NRTL (UL, FT4) fire safety compliance.
• Familiar with database management, PLM tools, and QA workflows.
• Experience with high current/high voltage DC power supplies and PLC-controlled safety systems.
• Familiar with PLCs, ladder logic, and industrial control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS).
• Skilled in diagnosing and fixing issues in complex electromechanical systems.
• Knowledge of networking hardware and protocols.
• Adaptable with a strong desire to learn new skills and technologies.

Salary:

The expected salary for this position is $93,000.00 - $114,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $82,728.00 - $139,644.00 annually depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.

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 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.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Salary : $82,728 - $139,644