Senior Power Supply Electronics Engineering Associate

The Berkeley Lab's Engineering Division is hiring a Senior Power Supply Electronics Engineering Associate to provide expert technical support for electrical and electronic systems within the Advanced Light Source (ALS) and ALS Upgrade (ALS-U) projects, with a focus on supporting the Power Supply Group. This role involves providing assistance and design support for Power Supply systems, managing documentation, procurement, fabrication, and testing to ensure system performance and operations. In addition, the position may involve supporting other electronic subsystems such as RF, Controls, Diagnostics, and Vacuum systems.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing support for ALS operations activities: maintenance, preliminary basic troubleshooting, technical support to Electronics Maintenance Technicians (EM) and ALS Control Room Operators (CR).
• Update and maintain ALS/ALS-U Power Supply Documentation.
• Following, understanding and organizing the ALS-U power supply production effort (specifically racks production).
• Developing documentation and work instructions to support technical jobs (e.g. for electricians, Removal and Installation Group (R&I), Electronics Fabrication Technicians (EI)).
• Managing procurement orders, material and Lab spaces (power electronics lab and production/testing areas).
• Assisting in Power Supply group technical activities when needed, e.g. testing and commissioning.

This position requires hands-on experience with Power Supplies, a background in electronics engineering, and strong skills in proactive problem-solving and strategic decision-making within established practices and policies. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing ALS and ALS-U objectives by delivering high-quality technical solutions for various electrical designs, mentoring team members, solving technical challenges, and ensuring the reliable and efficient implementation of ALS and ALS-U projects.

What You Will Do:

• Assist the Lead Power Supply Engineers in the design and installation of system upgrades or modifications.
• Conduct tests and select reliable components.
• Work with cables, power supplies, and control devices in racks, cable trays and trenches.
• Ensure compliance with electrical requirements (voltage, resistance, grounding, power).
• Provide test plans for cable continuity, signal strength, and interference post-installation.
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues and maintain necessary qualifications (e.g., Qualified Electrical Worker 2 (QEW2), NFPA 70E).
• Document Power Supply drawings and designs using CAD tools for schematic capture, adhering to LBNL standards.
• Use procurement systems (ePro/eBuy) and assist in procuring electronics equipment, ensuring compliance with standards (NEC, NRTL, LBNL).
• Lead project timelines and coordinate with other trades (electricians, technicians) to avoid conflicts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety protocols.
• Communicate clearly and adhere to safety standards.Use tools like cable testers, VNAs, TDRs, OTDRs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters, and HiPot testers.
• Supervise personnel as needed and support non-ALS projects at LBNL.
• Provide mentorship to entry-level engineering associates.

What is Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering or related field, with 5+ years of professional experience in industrial, research, or production environments.
• Strong background in electrical systems, testing, troubleshooting, power supplies (from 10kW, up to 500 MW)
• Hands-on experience in wiring, structured cabling, fiber optic networks, and power distribution, including planning for cable trays, conduits, grounding, and interference mitigation.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Skilled in creating and testing prototypes, developing small projects (system modifications), and delivering small Electronic Fabrication or mechanical jobs.
• Knowledgeable in cable types (multi-conductor, fiber optic, coaxial, twisted pair) and system integration.
• Experience with high current/high voltage DC and pulsing power systems, PLC-controlled safety systems, and general maintenance of industrial plants or electrical rack systems.
• Familiar with electrical codes and safety standards (NEC, NFPA-70/70E, LOTO); QEW2 certification or ability to qualify.
• Proficient in CAD tools (AutoCAD, OrCAD, KiCAD) and able to work with mechanical models.
• Experience with database management, PLM tools, QA workflows, and MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Project).
• Confident using electrical instrumentation and working independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to lead small teams, manage junior staff, and collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and stakeholders.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks under pressure while meeting deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ideally 15 Years of experience as a technician.
• Experience with accelerator/beamline electronic systems or in complex industrial plants.
• Familiar with PLCs, ladder logic, and industrial control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS).
• Experience with electrical power distribution, large electromagnets, and water monitoring systems.
• Ability to draft mechanical models.
• Relevant technical certifications.
• Knowledge of networking hardware and protocols.
• Supervise Electronics Engineering Associates as needed.

Salary:

The expected salary for this position is $111,000.00 - $136,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $99,000.00 - $167,100.00 annually depending 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 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.

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.