Project Engineer - Electro-mechanical

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a passionate and talented electro‑mechanical (or mechatronics) engineer to support the development of next‑generation automation and robotics systems. In this role, you will integrate electrical engineering, mechanical design, and control systems to bridge hardware, software, and physical components. You will contribute to a dynamic, collaborative environment focused on creating advanced scientific instruments, laboratory automation tools, and innovative methods that enable cutting‑edge structural biology research and structure‑based drug discovery.

The development of such instruments will facilitate the research goals of users at SLAC through structural investigations of important biological targets in limited supply, such as membrane proteins and multi‑component macromolecular machines. These projects may include the design and automation of precision positioning systems, sample microscopes and imaging systems, fluid‑handling robotics, cryogenics systems, synchronized motion and triggers for time‑resolved measurements, and other instrumentation for use at macromolecular crystallography (MC) beam lines or for cryo‑electron microscopy (cryo

EM) experiments. The successful candidate will join an integrated team of engineers, scientists, software developers and other staff members.

See https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for more on SSRL and the unique capabilities of our SSRL instrument and SMB beamline facilities.

Note:

This is a 1‑year term fixed term position with the possibility of extension or conversion to a regular‑continuing position.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.

• Participate in the design, development and testing, and installation for new experiments. Integrate novel assemblies with current beamline hutches, expanding experimental capabilities.
• 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.
• Advising electronics and mechanical technicians in the fabrication and installation of novel devices and working with other engineering staff, such as electrical engineering and controls programmers on the integration of complicated robotic systems.
• 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.
  The design of new equipment through the production of solid models and detailed schematics, assembly diagrams and parts lists using Solid Edge.
• The specification and procurement of components such as positioning stages, encoders, pneumatics, actuators, optics and materials selection for manufactured parts.
• Installation, testing and troubleshooting of commercial experimental equipment for MC and for cryo
  
  EM grid/sample preparation.
• Testing new devices and methods with biological samples and helping with structural biology research goals as required. This could include testing newly developed equipment used to vitrify samples on cryo
  
  EM grids or to flash‑cool macromolecular crystals, and to work with scientists to characterize the resulting samples.
• Maintaining parts lists and overseeing the receipt and QC of ordered and in‑house fabricated electronics and mechanical parts to implement equipment completion and installation adhering to tight project schedules.
• Project documentation and organization including wiring diagrams, drawings, parts lists, and assembly instruction, writing QA/ QC testing procedures, and the production of web‑based manufacturing directions. This includes on‑going updates to equipment documentation as fixes, improvements and upgrades occur.
• Producing 3D rendering and graphics for instructions, presentations and grant applications.
• Other…