Automation Engineer for Personnel Protection Systems

Berkeley Lab's Engineering division is hiring a Automation Engineer for Personnel Protection Systems to ensure the safety and reliability of facilities handling ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and personal protection. This role involves a full life-cycle software of development for Personnel Protection Systems (PPS), including design, development, testing, operation and maintenance. The PPS are essential safety related systems that combines relay-based and PLC-based technologies to protect personnel in complex and high-risk environments.

The position requires high judgment and decision-making skills and may involve leading software projects and collaborating with engineers, scientists, and external partners, including those from other DOE labs and the global accelerator community. Working on the ALS-U project offers a chance to engage with advanced technologies like PLCs, FPGAs, and EPICS, and to develop skills for future roles at the new ALS facility or in international scientific initiatives.

What You Will Do:

• Contribute to all phases of the software development lifecycle for PPS, from requirements gatherings to maintenance. 
• Oversee all software development phases for Personnel Protection Systems (PPS), from requirements to maintenance.
• Select methods and techniques for effective results.
• Design and implement complex safety control systems with a focus on automation and safety.
• Develop, test, and integrate prototypes into existing systems.
• Lead software development projects, guiding coordinators and technicians.
• Ensure adherence to functional safety standards and regulations.
• Contribute to carrying out risk assessments and implement safety measures in software projects.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures.
• Perform software verification tests and inspections to meet industry standards and regulations.
• Troubleshoot complex automation and safety issues.
• Document and present R&D activities.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and external partners on system integration.
• Provide training and support on safety practices and system operations.
• Stay updated on trends and advancements in automation and safety.
• Network with key contacts beyond your area of expertise.

What is Required:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, Electronics, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, 6 years with a Master’s, or equivalent experience.
• At least 6 years designing and implementing safety-related control systems.
• Proven experience in designing, developing and implementing PLC-based software applications.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs and distributed input/output (IO) systems, and Siemens TIA Portal. 
• Experience with PLC-based software applications, especially Siemens PLCs and TIA Portal.
• Proven skills in developing software interfaces with control hardware and writing design specifications.
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508, IEC61511, ISO 13849).
• Proficient in automation programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Structured Control Language, etc.).
• Knowledge of safety PLC design concepts (e.g., redundancy, safety integrity levels, fail-safe design).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience with modern coding standards, including code documentation, version control, debugging, and testing.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for documenting and presenting R&D activities.
• Excellent organizational skills and clear documentation.
• Proactive problem-solving with a knack for complex technical solutions.
• Effective interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of safety principles and risk assessment.
• Detail-oriented, committed to quality and safety.
• Eager to stay updated on industry advancements and engage in continuous learning.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers, TIA Portal, PLC-Sim Advanced, and Simit.
• Skilled in Siemens WinCC Comfort/Unified HMI development and Siemens libraries/diagnostics.
• Experience with Siemens libraries and diagnostic functions.
• Knowledge of industrial safety and fault-tolerant automation systems.
• Familiar with safety hardware (e.g., safety PLCs, relays) and industrial network protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP, SNMP, Modbus, OPCUA).
• Familiarity with FPGA-based applications. 
• Experience with similar facilities or environments.
• Familiarity with electrical design tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Knowledge of additional programming languages (e.g., C/C++, Python, Java).

Desired Certifications and Licenses:

• Siemens TIA-SAFETY and TIA-PRO2 experience.
• Certified Functional Safety Engineer (CFSE) or equivalent certification.
• Siemens TIA-UWCC1 and other safety certifications (e.g., TUV, ISA).

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• The expected salary range for this position is $159,000.00 - $175,000.00 annually, which fits into the full salary range of 129,948.00 - $219,276.00 annually depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• This position may be 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.
• 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 committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global 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.

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