Survey and Alignment Engineer

The Berkeley Lab is hiring a Mechanical Engineer for our Survey and Alignment group to lead and contribute to complex engineering projects in the Engineering Division. The engineer will support major DOE projects, including ALS-U, CMB-S4, and DUNE, within the Survey & Alignment (S&A) Group. The role focuses on advanced technical analysis, precision survey and alignment of scientific instrumentation, and developing metrology tools. The engineer will lead R&D efforts, assist with cost and schedule planning, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal performance and alignment in LBNL’s research facilities.

What You Will Do:

The Survey & Alignment Engineer will provide technical support in the following areas:

60% Survey and Alignment Tasks, Analysis, and Computations

• Deliver advanced survey and alignment services for particle accelerators, beamlines, and associated systems.
• Provide conceptual design, system analysis, and precision measurement services for various systems at the ALS and other facilities.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop and refine survey techniques, contributing to strategic planning and implementation.
• Document all work thoroughly and seek improvements in documentation practices.

35% General Support and Liaison

• Work with users, engineers, and scientists to interpret requirements and create actionable work plans.
• Perform tasks independently and with team members to ensure system functionality and long-term configuration control.

5% Safety Responsibilities

• Attend safety meetings and ensure compliance with safety processes at LBNL.

Additional Responsibilities as Needed:

• Supervise the work of technical and professional staff.
• May assume a critical role in a particular component of larger projects/programs. 
• Develop project timelines and budgets.

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering, Geomatics, Surveying, Metrology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in survey and alignment engineering.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and engineering judgment skills across diverse scenarios.
• Proficient in mathematics (geometry, trigonometry, basic calculus, statistics) and developing error/uncertainty budgets, familiar with JCGM 100:2008 guidelines.
• Skilled in setting up and operating advanced survey and alignment instruments.
• Experienced with complex metrology equipment (CMMs, laser trackers, displacement measuring instruments) for precise system alignment.
• In-depth understanding of mechanical systems, precision alignment, kinematics, and design principles.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present survey data to various stakeholders (accelerator users, engineers, and scientists).
• Knowledgeable in survey and alignment instrumentation/software used in accelerators and R&D environments.
• Expertise in survey and alignment tasks, with quick adaptability to new instrumentation technologies.
• Proficient in computer-to-robotic instrument communication, CAD modeling, file transfers, and advanced programming.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, effective in cross-disciplinary team settings.
• Proven ability to produce organized, accurate documentation.
• Experienced in 3D CAD software for technical modeling and design support.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in tracking, purchasing, and managing survey and alignment components for instrumentation support.
• Proficient in database management systems and survey software.
• Proven leadership and proposal writing skills for securing funding.
• Expertise in survey and alignment (S&A) instrument development.

Salary:

This position is expected to pay a targeted range of $130,000.00 to $158,000.00 annually and has a full salary range of $115,176.00 to $194,340.00 annually. The final salary is dependent 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 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.