What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Engineer - Python Developer, Materials Science position at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory?
SLAC Job Postings
Position overview
The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is seeking a Python Developer, who will play a crucial role in developing the Python controls layer that integrates with our lower-level EPICS control system to manage x-ray instrumentation. In this position, you will be responsible for creating controls that integrate sample and optics positioning, beamline controls, environmental controls, detectors, and additional measurement instrumentation. You will work with SSRL beamline engineers and science staff to understand the work flow for the end user to ensure usability. Your work will be central to our broader initiative to modernize existing control systems, enhancing both their functionality, efficiency, and ease of use, as well as enabling initiatives for autonomous x-ray measurements.
In addition to contributing to the modernization of our data acquisition and controls systems, this developer will collaborate to develop robotic control systems and integrate AI / ML layers for autonomous control of instruments. Your contributions will be essential in driving forward our efforts to develop autonomous in-situ and operando x-ray measurements to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery. You will have the opportunity to work with a global user base across scientific application areas in materials for energy, sustainability, and at the interface of biology. You will work with a diverse range of stakeholders including facility users, engineering staff, scientific staff, and staff from other DOE x-ray user facilities to scope project goals, and define pathways to solutions. This role offers an exciting opportunity to sit at the intersection of science and engineering and contribute to the success of the broader community of SSRL users to support cutting edge science.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park; CA.
Your specific responsibilities include :
- Design, develop, and maintain a Python controls layer interfacing with EPICS controls for x-ray instrumentation.
- Integrate and interface with various hardware components, including motion control systems, detectors, sample environmental controls, and secondary instrumentation.
- Develop intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for instrument control and monitoring.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software developers, hardware engineers, and scientists, to ensure seamless integration of controls and instrumentation.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to controls and instrumentation to ensure optimal instrument performance and reliability.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in control systems, machine learning, and automation technologies.
- Maintain data acquisition and controls system documentation and train beamline staff on the use of the controls layer.
- Collaborate with senior engineers and scientists to design and develop special purpose controls system components.
- Participate in the planning, design, and implementation of scientific or engineering initiatives, and work toward project objectives.
- Establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
- Other duties may also be assigned.
To be successful in this position you will bring :
In addition, preferred requirements include :
SLAC Employee Competencies :
Physical requirements and working conditions :
Work Standards :
The expected pay range for this position is $140,000 - $207,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory / Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Salary : $140,000 - $207,000
