Electrical Engineer for Advanced Controls and Experimental Systems
Stanford University
Application
Details
Posted: 15-Oct-22
Location: Stanford, California
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 96569
School/Unit Description: The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the center of a world-class liberal arts education at Stanford University. H&S encompasses 23 departments--from Art and Art History, English, and History to Economics, Mathematics, and Biology--as well as 23 interdisciplinary programs. As the university's largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL, a Directorate of SLAC) at Stanford University is a scientific user facility that serves a large international research community.
SSRL operates an accelerator that provides high-brightness x-rays to ~30 facility stations that enable research in areas such as biology, medical, environmental, chemistry, and materials sciences. Each station is tailored to specific techniques, necessitating a highly varied approach to instrumentation, data acquisition, and computing infrastructure. The SSRL stations are made available to an international scientific user community, with SSRL staff providing scientific and technical support in their use.
The Structural Molecular Biology (SMB) program at SSRL is specifically focused on studies related to biochemistry and biomedical research (https://www-ssrl.slac.stanford.edu/smb/index.html). Program goals include the development of scientific methodology, instrumentation, and research applications in macromolecular crystallography, x-ray absorption spectroscopy and small-angle x-ray scattering, and provide external-user access through peer-review for >800 external scientists annually. The program has a significant training and dissemination component. Research and technical information exchange is performed with similar facilities world-wide.
The SMB program's Macromolecular Crystallography Group has an immediate opening for an R&D Engineer, specifically an electrical engineer and project manager, to join an experienced and enthusiastic team to oversee the design, fabrication and improvement of highly specialized experimental macromolecular crystallography x-ray beam line stations, including the development of advanced instrumentation to meet cutting-edge experimental goals in structural biology research.
Position Summary: The SMB program's Macromolecular Crystallography Group has an immediate opening for an R&D Engineer, specifically an electrical engineer and project manager, to join an experienced and enthusiastic team to oversee the design, fabrication and improvement of highly specialized experimental macromolecular crystallography x-ray beam line stations, including the development of advanced instrumentation to meet cutting-edge experimental goals in structural biology research.
Examples of duties:
Development of motion control systems and specialized experimental instrumentation, collaboratively with a group of scientists and technical staff.
Lead projects from initial concept through design review sessions, culminating with directing electronics and mechanical technicians in the fabrication and installation of novel devices.
Troubleshoot motion control equipment, data acquisition electronics, specialized synchrotron radiation instrumentation, and other devices.
Research equipment and suppliers and oversee the acquisition of new hardware for motion controls and data acquisition systems.
Schedule fabrication and coordinate activities to ensure project deadlines are met on time.
If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.
In this role, you will:
Provide leadership and scientific expertise in the planning and implementation of major projects, services, facilities, and activities.
Develop advanced technological ideas, and guide their development into a final product or new approaches to research. Carry out complex or unique assignments important to the advancement of the field.
Provide expert consultation and collaboration regarding technical requirements, capabilities, and advancement opportunities; make substantive contributions in diverse technical areas.
Provide technical direction to other research staff, engineering associates, technicians, and/or students; facilitate workshops and demonstrations on research methods; educate and train users on research methodology and effective tools and techniques.
Contribute to or co-author published articles, presentations, or scientific papers; identify research and development funding opportunities.
Supervise staff and resources to meet program objectives.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully.
Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, Allergens/Biohazards/Chemicals /Asbestos, confined spaces, working at heights ?10 feet, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather.
May require travel.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Expert knowledge of the principles of engineering and related natural sciences.
Demonstrated project leadership experience.
Demonstrated experience leading and/or managing technical professionals.
Job Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities include:
Demonstrated project management skills are required.
Knowledge of analog/digital circuit design and troubleshooting is required. Use of Protel schematic capture and PCB payout software for SMT and through-hole components is advantageous.
Demonstrated ability to design motion control systems is required, and in particular experience in the use of Galil digital motion controllers for classical stepper motors, IMS stepper motors, and brushless servo-motors is highly advantageous.
Experience in the design of electrical conditioning-circuits is required, such as for optical switches, transducers including LVDT's, incremental and absolute encoders, x-ray ionization chambers, and PIN diode detectors.
Knowledge of embedded systems development and FPGA programming of Xilinx Spartan chips with VHDL and/or modelsim is highly advantageous.
The candidate must be proficient using Windows and UNIX computer environments including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel applications.
Good communication skills, including the ability to interact productively with a diverse group of scientific users, administrative and technical coworkers is required.
Certifications and Licenses:
None
In addition, preferred requirements include:
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and five years of applicable experience in a research and development or manufacturing environment is required.
Experience leading a team in the development, assembly and maintenance of control systems or new instrumentation is highly advantageous
Skill in application programming in C++ and tcl/tk and Labview is advantageous.
Experience with CAD or Solid Edge mechanical design software, mechanical fabrication practices, reliability testing, and quality control processes is desirable.
Operating knowledge of Dectris Pixel Array Detector (PAD) technology is highly desirable.
Knowledge of Synchrotron Science, Structural Biology or X-ray Crystallography methods is not required but an advantage.
Experience developing web based documentation and applications is a plus.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more
Other duties may also be assigned, not all unique aspects of this job are covered by this job posting. A full job description will be shared during the interview process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
