Automation Engineer for Safety Systems

Berkeley Lab's Engineering division is hiring an Automation Engineer for Safety Systems to design, develop, and lead software for Personnel Protection Systems (PPS) that safeguard researchers and staff working with ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. These systems combining PLC- and relay-based safety technologies, are foundational to our mission and essential for world-class research.

This is a rare opportunity to apply your technical expertise while contributing to groundbreaking projects like the ALS-U (Advanced Light Source Upgrade), which will expand scientific discovery for decades to come. In this role, you’ll be central to developing advanced safety control systems that protect people in complex, high-risk environments, while also leading software development projects that integrate PLCs, FPGAs, and EPICS into next-generation accelerator systems. Your work will help shape the future of safety engineering at Berkeley Lab and beyond, with opportunities to collaborate across DOE labs and the international accelerator community.

What You Will Do:

• Software Development & Lifecycle
  Contribute to and oversee all phases of software development for PPS, from requirements gathering through design, testing, operation, and long-term maintenance. Select appropriate methods, techniques, and tools to deliver reliable safety systems. Develop, test, and integrate prototypes into existing systems. Perform verification testing and inspections to ensure compliance with functional safety standards and regulations. 

• System Design & Implementation
  Design and implement complex safety control systems with a strong focus on automation, redundancy, and fail-safe principles. Develop software interfaces with control hardware and prepare detailed design specifications. Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and safety issues. 

• Leadership & Collaboration
  Lead software development projects and guide coordinators and technicians. Document and present R&D activities to technical and non-technical audiences. Provide training, support, and guidance on safety practices and system operations. Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and external partners on system integration, building a strong professional network across disciplines. 

• Safety & Risk Management
  Carry out risk assessments and integrate safety measures into software and system design. Ensure adherence to functional safety standards, regulations, and best practices. Stay current with advancements in automation, safety engineering, and industry trends.

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, Electronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 6 years with a master’s degree; an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• At least 6 years designing and implementing safety-related control systems.

• Proven experience designing, developing, and implementing PLC-based applications, with strong hands-on skills in Siemens PLCs, distributed I/O systems, and Siemens TIA Portal.

• Strong knowledge of software development processes compliant with safety standards such as IEC 61508, IEC 61511, ISO 13849, or similar.

• Proficiency in automation programming languages, including Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Structured Control Language.

• Familiarity with safety PLC design concepts (redundancy, safety integrity levels, fail-safe design).

• Strong understanding of modern coding practices: version control, debugging, testing, and clear code documentation.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a track record of clear documentation and effective presentations.

• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams.

• Detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to problem-solving, quality, and safety.

• Demonstrated ability to stay current with industry developments and apply continuous learning.
   

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers, PLC-Sim Advanced, and Simit.

• Skilled in Siemens WinCC Comfort/Unified HMI development.

• Experience with Siemens libraries and diagnostic functions.

• Knowledge of industrial safety and fault-tolerant automation systems.

• Familiarity with safety hardware (safety PLCs, relays) and industrial network protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, SNMP, Modbus, OPCUA).

• Familiarity with FPGA-based applications.

• Experience in similar facilities or high-risk environments.

• Knowledge of electrical design tools such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.

• Additional programming experience (C/C++, Python, Java).

• Siemens TIA-SAFETY and TIA-PRO2 training or certifications.

• Certified Functional Safety Engineer (CFSE) or equivalent.

• Siemens TIA-UWCC1 and other recognized safety certifications (TÜV, ISA, etc.).
   

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 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. 

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.