Senior Electronics Engineering Associate

The Berkeley Lab's Engineering Division is hiring a Senior Electronics Engineering Associate to provide expert technical support for electrical and electronic systems within the Advanced Light Source 2.0 (ALS 2.0) project, with a focus on the ALS 2.0 / Beamlines Group. This role supports the design, procurement, implementation, and qualification of electrical and electronics systems for ALS 2.0 beamlines, including upgrades to legacy instrumentation and development of new systems. Responsibilities include developing and reviewing cable and rack layouts, coordinating routing and labeling, assisting with power distribution management, integrating experimental instrumentation, maintaining documentation, and coordinating tasks with contractors and in-house trades. The Senior Associate works with limited direction from the Beamline Electronics Engineer to define portions of technical scope, contribute to cost and schedule estimates, and provide input to planning discussions while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address integration challenges.

The Senior Associate independently interprets technical requirements, supports designs, and integrates electrical systems, developing and reviewing detailed schematics and documentation. They provide guidance to trades and cross-functional teams, test and troubleshoot sophisticated systems, manage procurement and installations, and ensure alignment with LBNL and OSHA safety standards. Responsibilities also include electronic AutoCAD 2-D, system testing, and developing and executing test procedures based on in-depth system knowledge. This position applies broad technical expertise to resolve complex challenges, mentors junior associates, and may lead or supervise others in similar classifications, supporting ALS 2.0 / Beamlines projects from initial design through final implementation.

What You Will Do:

• Support cross functional teams in their design, procurement, fabrication and testing of Equipment within the ALS 2.0 / Beamlines systems Group as well as general electronic systems supporting testing and troubleshooting.
• Support the ALS 2.0 / Beamlines systems Group in installing, testing, and commissioning new systems along with modifications on existing systems.
• Lead and support cross-functional project teams to execute electrical engineering coordination tasks.
• Develop, interpret, and revise electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Create clear work instructions and detailed drawings using AutoCAD and related tools.
• Coordinate system installation planning, material procurement, and scheduling with trades and vendors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational or any design issues using innovative solutions.
• Ensure compliance with Lab safety protocols, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a liaison between engineering, scientific, and facilities teams to ensure effective cross-disciplinary communication.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of workflows, documentation, and project execution processes.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Draft and review schematics with a focus on accuracy and clarity.
• Write concise and actionable work instructions based on existing designs for trades personnel.
• Oversee project task coordination and follow-through to completion.
• Manage materials procurement and inventory for assigned systems.
• Coordinate and support system installations to meet project timelines.
• Conduct quality assurance (QA) on as-built installations and document necessary changes.

What is Required:

• Minimum: Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5+ years (preferred experience) of progressively responsible technical work.
• Electrical drawing and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD / Bluebeam / KiCAD or equivalent).
• Broad electronics backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or support multi-phase engineering projects, particularly within scientific or highly technical environments (e.g., national labs, accelerators, or large research facilities).
• Experience with preparing technical documentation, work instructions, and as-built drawings.
• Familiarity with electrical codes and safety standards (e.g., NEC, NFPA 70E).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in electrical drawings and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Bluebeam, KiCAD, or equivalent).
• Thorough understanding of sensors, switches, valves, interlocks (implemented in ladder logic), and other components commonly used in beamline operations.
• Strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, system integration, troubleshooting, and engineering best practices.
• Knowledge of vacuum systems, including why different types of pumps (e.g., roughing, turbomolecular, cryo) and gauges (e.g., Pirani, cold cathode, ion) are used in different applications.
• Hands-on experience with electrical chassis design, rack layout, and cable management.
• Adept at documentation management, with attention to detail in drawings, wiring diagrams, and system records.
• Demonstrated commitment to LOTO, electrical safety, and safe work practices.
• Effective communicator, able to collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven experience with project leadership and coordination of cross-functional teammates.
• Practical field experience with process startup and system commissioning-beyond a single piece of equipment-bringing a system-wide perspective and troubleshooting ability.

Desired Qualifications:

• PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) from vendors such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Automation Direct.
• Implementing ladder logic for interlocks, sequencing, and safety systems.
• HMI (Human Machine Interface), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and DCS (Distributed Control Systems).
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, DH+) and communication standards.
• Support designing, installing, and commissioning complex electrical and control systems.
• Troubleshooting and maintaining control systems, including sensor calibration and field wiring.
• Familiarity with JIRA or similar project/task-tracking tools.

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.
• The expected salary for this position is $114,300 - $140,000, which fits into the full salary of $101,184 - $170,772 annually depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• 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.

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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.