Senior Electronics Engineer Associate

Senior Electronics Engineer Associate

Bay Systems Consulting/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory - Berkeley, CA

1 year contract - Extension/Permanent Conversion High Possibility

Salary - $59 Per Hour + benefits

Please apply with your resume!

The purpose of this position is to provide expert technical support and innovative solutions for diverse complex electrical and electronic systems within the Advanced Light Source (ALS) and Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U) projects, with a strong emphasis on supporting ALS-U through advanced cable plant expertise. This role requires applying a diverse range of technological skills, scientific principles, and project management expertise to assist in resolving diverse technical challenges and ensuring the reliable upgrade to the ALS.

The Sr. Electronics Engineering Associate (N10.2) will, under limited supervision and consultation, provide assistance, design support, coordinate, and implement sophisticated electronic systems, focusing on cable plant infrastructure critical to ALS-U project success. This includes assisting in designing structured cabling systems and infrastructure for the ALS and ALS-U. Responsibilities encompass assisting with cable documentation for electronic systems, managing procurement, providing fabrication and installation instructions, and executing comprehensive testing procedures to ensure system integrity and performance with the possibility of supporting additional accelerator subsystems such as Power Supplies, RF, Controls, Diagnostics, and Vacuum.

This position requires strong experience in cable plant environment and electronics and/or electrical engineering background and emphasizes proactive problem-solving and strategic decision-making within established practices and policies. The individual will play a key role in advancing ALS-U objectives by assisting in delivering high-quality technical solutions for various electrical designs, mentoring team members, and ensuring the reliable and efficient implementation of ALS-U projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES*

Essential:

Under limited supervision and consultation:

• Apply technical expertise to design and assist in coordinating the implementation of experimental apparatus, equipment, systems, or facilities, including determining design approaches, conducting experimental tests, and selecting components based on specifications and reliability.
• Assist and possibly develop the as-built, design and installation of cable plant systems, including structured cabling and infrastructure.
• Conduct tests, evaluate results, and refine designs to ensure system integrity and performance.
• Perform hands-on work with cables (in cable trays, wireways and trenches), power supplies, and control devices.
• Ensure compliance with electrical infrastructure requirements, including voltage, current flow, resistance, grounding practices, and power requirements.
• Assist in troubleshooting connectivity issues.
• Maintain necessary qualifications (e.g., Qualified Electrical Worker (QEW1/2)) and be familiar with electrical safety practices such as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and electrical safety standards such as NFPA 70E.
• Use procurement systems like ePro/eBuy.
• Assist in procuring and specifying electronics equipment, racks, and infrastructure, ensuring compliance with industry standards, including NEC, NRTL, and LBNL requirements.
• Maintain and assist in documenting cabling (and ID Connector Details) of the current and new electronic systems at the ALS and ALS-U, including design proposals, specifications, and schematics, using CAD tools and adhering to LBNL standards.
• Assist in selecting components and equipment based on performance, reliability, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Test cables for continuity, signal strength, and interference after installation.
• Assist with coordinating timelines and efforts with other trades (electricians, technologists, mechanical technicians, etc.) to avoid conflicts.
• Be familiar with and assist in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for electrical and other hazards.
• Communicate clearly and adhere to workplace safety protocols.
• Assist in working with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions, manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Assist in managing technical projects, monitoring progress, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with safety, budget, and timeline requirements.

Marginal:

• Use tools like cable testers, VNAs (Vector Network Analyzers), TDRs (Time Domain Reflectometers), or OTDRs for fiber optics.
• Additionally, assist in using general test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters, Precise Current and Voltage measurement instrumentation, Meggers (MegaOhmmeters), HiPot Testers, etc.
• May supervise exempt and non-exempt personnel as needed.
• Support non-ALS-U projects at LBNL as required.
• Provide mentorship to entry-level engineering associates.

I. Education & Experience

Required:

• Knowledge equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, a related field or equivalent experience and a minimum of 5 years of professional experience.
• Solid foundation in electronics circuit and system design, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in CAD design techniques, including schematic capture and layout using tools such as AutoCAD or OrCAD or KiCAD or equivalent.
• Ability to interact with mechanical models
• Working knowledge of power distribution, networking, and system integration.
• Extensive professional experience in cable plant design, electronic systems, and related technical fields.
• Expertise in structured cabling systems, fiber optic networks, and electrical/electronic components.
• Familiar with PLTC, plenum vs. non-plenum cables for compliance with NRTL (UL, FT4) fire safety standards.
• Understand different cable types (multi-conductor, fiber optic, coaxial, twisted pair, etc.) and their specifications.
• Ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure and hardware.
• Ensure proper grounding to reduce noise and protect equipment.
• Experience with electrical codes and electrical safety such as NEC, LOTO and NFPA 70E., and laboratory safety standards.
• Understand building layouts and identify optimal cable paths.
• Plan for conduits, cable trays, and pathways to avoid interference.
• Electronics design experience, including familiarity with benchtop testing processes.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• PCB layout experience.
• Documentation software experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to convey ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with internal teams, external stakeholders, scientists, engineers, and trades professionals.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a related field and 6+ years of professional experience
• Relevant education/training program, along with extensive professional technical experience in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, a related field.
• Ability to draft mechanical models.
• Relevant technical certifications.
• Calculate the required bandwidth and future-proof by planning for growth.
• Knowledge and experience with accelerator and beamline electronic systems, or equivalent industrial experience.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Required:

• Advanced ability to execute and manage technical projects from start to finish using project management principles.
• Solid foundation in electronics circuit and system design, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of circuits, wiring, power distribution, and control systems.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Ability to create and test prototypes of new devices or systems.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate with engineers, technicians, and stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively interact with scientists, and engineers.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Project, and basic computer skills.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping abilities.
• Knowledge of safety standards (e.g., OSHA, IEC, NEC) and risk assessment in electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with the National Electric Code, NFPA-70 & NFPA-70E Qualified Electrical Worker Certification.
• Experience with high current and/or high voltage DC power supplies and PLC-controlled safety systems.
• Ability to diagnose and fix issues in complex electromechanical systems.
• Knowledge of system integration and optimizing the performance of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Strong technical documentation skills, including writing reports, manuals, and specifications.
• Experience with database management and PLM tools and QA Workflows.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), ladder logic, and industrial control systems (e.g., PLC, SCADA, DCS).
• Experience with electrical power distribution, large electro/magnets, and low conductivity water monitoring systems.
• Knowledge of networking hardware and protocols.
• Adaptability and desire to learn new skills and technologies.

Certifications & Licenses

Preferred:

• Certified Engineering Technician (CET) or Certified Engineering Associate (CEA) - depending on the region.
• Certified Electronics Technician (CET) - offered by ETA International.
• IPC Certifications - such as IPC-A-610 for Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies or IPC/WHMA-A-620 for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies.
• Fiber Optic Installer (FOI) or Fiber Optic Technician (FOT) - from ETA International.
• Fluke Certified Level II Technician - for cable testing and analysis.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) Programming Certification - from institutions like Siemens or Allen-Bradley.
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) - for electrical systems, particularly in cable plants or low-voltage systems.
• AutoCAD Certification - for technical drawing and design.
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) - if relevant to mechanical/electrical design.
• NFPA 70E Qualified Electrical Worker Certification - for electrical safety.
• OSHA 30-Hour Certification - focusing on workplace and electrical safety.
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification - to complement electrical work in hazardous environments.