Beamline Engineer

Berkeley Lab is hiring a Beamline Engineer to support the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U) and ongoing ALS 2.0 operations. This role is key in managing the transition of multiple beamlines through the ALS-U project—leading shutdowns before storage ring installation and recommissioning afterward. Post-upgrade, the engineer will oversee the full beamline engineering lifecycle, from requirements and design to fabrication, installation, and quality assurance. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to world-class synchrotron systems and cutting-edge research in materials, chemical, biological, and energy sciences.

What You Will Do:

• Lead mechanical efforts to take beamlines offline for ALS-U storage ring installation and support their recommissioning, including alignment, performance checks, and validation.
• Coordinate beamline alignment and integration to ensure compatibility with the new storage ring.
• Manage full lifecycle of assigned beamline projects: requirements, design, analysis, procurement, fabrication, assembly, installation, and QA/QC.
• Design shielding (e.g., lead) and water-cooled components (e.g., copper alloys).
• Perform design analysis using closed-form solutions and finite element methods to meet interface, performance, and safety requirements; document methods and results.
• Prepare technical documentation and present at design reviews.
• Collaborate with optical scientists to develop features for x-ray optical systems (e.g., supports, vacuum chambers).
• Interface with multidisciplinary teams—engineers, physicists, technicians, and lab leadership.
• Coordinate with groups across vacuum, alignment, safety, beam physics, controls, and installation.
• Serve as technical lead for designers creating fabrication, assembly, interface, and shielding drawings.
• Oversee inspection and testing of components, including dimensional, vacuum, and motion tests.
• Ensure compliance with LBNL engineering standards, safety protocols, and performance goals.
• Provide technical oversight of vendors and subcontractors during design and fabrication.
• Support operation and troubleshooting of new and existing beamline systems.

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of experience, or Master’s with 8+ years, or equivalent work experience.
• Proven experience with precision mechanical systems, preferably in scientific instrumentation or accelerator environments.
• Full lifecycle engineering experience: design, analysis, fabrication, installation, and testing of complex mechanical systems.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (e.g., Creo Parametric, SolidWorks, Inventor), large assemblies, part drawings, and GD&T (ISO or ASME).
• Skilled in engineering documentation, revision control, and project data management tools.
• Strong analytical skills with understanding of heat transfer, statics, and dynamics; able to perform both closed-form and FEA-based analysis.
• Familiarity with MATLAB or Python for basic programming and analysis tasks.
• Experience with beamline alignment methods and tools (e.g., laser trackers, precision stages); able to meet tight tolerances.
• Effective cross-functional collaborator with experience integrating mechanical systems with controls, vacuum, and motion subsystems.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills; fluent in spoken and written English.
• Demonstrated leadership and multitasking abilities in dynamic R&D environments.
• Willingness to perform hands-on work in beamline and tunnel environments, including during shutdowns and off-hours.
• Detail-oriented and proactive in solving engineering problems and improving processes.

Desired Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering, with coursework in heat transfer, dynamics, structural analysis, and finite element methods.
• Experience with beamline systems, UHV equipment, motion systems, or synchrotron facilities.
• Knowledge of project management principles, including earned value and risk management.
• Familiar with cleanroom protocols and alignment tools (e.g., laser trackers, theodolites).
• Expertise in:
  • Ultra-high vacuum systems
  • X-ray optics
  • Heat transfer
  • Manufacturing
  • Seismic and radiation safety
  • Systems engineering
  • Project management
  • Logistics

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.
• The expected salary for this position is $130,000.00 - $158,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $115,176.00 - $194,340.00 annually depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• 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.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Starting May 7, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.