Project Engineer - Electro-mechanical

Position OverviewSLAC 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. The role integrates electrical engineering, mechanical design, and control systems to bridge hardware, software, and physical components, creating advanced scientific instruments, laboratory automation tools, and innovative methods that enable cutting‑edge structural biology research and structure‑based drug discovery.Projects may include precision positioning systems, sample microscopes, 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‑EM experiments. The successful candidate will join an integrated team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and other staff members.ResponsibilitiesParticipate in design, development, testing, and installation for new experiments; integrate novel assemblies with current beamline hutches.Develop motion control systems and specialized instrumentation in collaboration with scientists and technical staff.Lead projects from concept through design review, directing electronics and mechanical technicians in fabrication and installation.Advise technicians and engineering staff on integration of complex robotic systems.Troubleshoot motion control equipment, data acquisition electronics, specialized synchrotron radiation instrumentation, and other devices.Research equipment and suppliers, and oversee acquisition of new hardware for motion controls and data acquisition systems.Design solid models and detailed schematics, assembly diagrams, and parts lists using SolidEdge.Specify and procure components such as positioning stages, encoders, pneumatics, actuators, optics, and materials for manufactured parts.Install, test, and troubleshoot commercial experimental equipment for MC and cryoEM grid/sample preparation.Test new devices and methods with biological samples, supporting structural biology research goals.Maintain parts lists, oversee receipt and QC of ordered and in‑house fabricated parts while adhering to project schedules.Document projects, including wiring diagrams, drawings, parts lists, assembly instructions; write QA/QC testing procedures and update equipment documentation.Produce 3‑D rendering and graphics for instructions, presentations, and grant applications.Other duties as assigned.QualificationsB.S. degree in electrical engineering or equivalent with electro‑mechanical or biomedical design experience.Two or more years of experience in analog/digital circuit design and troubleshooting.Experience with Protel schematic capture and PCB payout software for SMT and through‑hole components is advantageous.Demonstrated ability to design motion control systems; experience with Galil digital motion controllers (classical stepper, IMS stepper, brushless servo) highly advantageous.Experience designing electrical conditioning circuits for optical switches, transducers, 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.Experience in solid modeling and preparing detailed mechanical schematics.Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or SolidEdge; and in Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.Experience interfacing with vendors, developing part specifications, obtaining competitive bids, and completing parts procurement.Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.Excellent organizational skills and ability to accurately complete detailed work.Ability to work in a fast‑paced and collaborative environment.Good communication skills, including interfacing with administrative, scientific, mechanical and electronic staff.Strong conceptual and problem‑solving skills and the ability to recommend solutions.Experience in quality control and generating design reports and documentation.Experience in the application of X‑ray diffraction techniques.Preferred RequirementsKnowledge of precision mechanism design, mechanical fabrication practices, and kinematic design principles.Experience with MATLAB and LabVIEW software.Hands‑on R&D experience from design to procurement, parts QC, assembly and testing.Experience designing, drilling and tapping layouts for electronics chassis.Programming experience in C++, TCL/TK and LabVIEW.CAD or Solid Edge mechanical design experience, including reliability testing and quality control.Hands‑on experience with manufacturing machines (3D printers, lathes, mills, laser cutters).Experience designing complex instrumentation for protein crystallography in a synchrotron beam‑line environment.Experience in sample preparation for macromolecular crystallography and/or cryoEM research.Physical RequirementsReasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability will be provided.Position allows on‑site and hybrid work options.Compensation and BenefitsThe expected pay range is $134,906 - $164,965 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges as a good faith estimate; actual offer will depend on scope, qualifications, budget, equity, location and market comparables.#J-18808-Ljbffr