Master S&E Mechanical Technician. [Bargaining Unit]

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is a national user facility providing synchrotron radiation for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, material science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains synchrotron radiation beam lines on the 3GeV electron storage ring SPEAR3 and the associated injector facility. The SSRL SMB Macromolecular Crystallography Department (SMB-MC) is responsible for the operation and development of highly automated SSRL beam lines dedicated to macromolecular structure determination supporting fundamental research in the biosciences and applied biomedical, bioproducts and biofuels-related research. We are seeking an experienced Master Science & Engineering Mechanical Technician to support and lead the full life cycle of beamline development and operational work, including design, machining, fabrication, installation, troubleshooting, and system optimization. The Master Technician will demonstrate a high level of experience and expertise in mechanical systems, robotics, scientific instrumentation, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, x-ray detectors, and hands-on integration of complex electromechanical equipment. The position requires autonomy, leadership in project execution, and cross-functional collaboration across scientific and technical teams at SSRL.

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

Specific Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to) the Following:

• Design and fabricate beamline hardware including sample mounting fixtures, environmental enclosures, optical assemblies, precision motion assemblies, and mechanical supports.
• Develop Solid Edge CAD models and electronic schematics, generate CAM files from complete CAD assemblies, oversee prototype fabrication and final assembly.
• Lead and support installation of instrumentation including robotic sample handlers, optical systems, cryostats, and vacuum components.
• Work independently and collaboratively to diagnose and resolve complex failures in mechanical, cryogenic, and vacuum systems.
• Apply expert knowledge of materials, machining tolerances, fabrication methods, and component integration to beamline development.
• Act as technical lead on new beamline development and upgrade projects in collaboration with engineers and scientists.
• Mentor junior technicians; provide guidance on safe and effective experimental practices.
• Train scientific staff on the safe use of equipment; maintain safety compliance with cryogenics, radiation, vacuum, and pressure systems.
• Document design and fabrication deviations, provide feedback to engineering teams, and maintain up-to-date system documentation.
• Support ongoing operation of beamlines including preventive maintenance and rapid-response troubleshooting.

The duties listed in this section are designed to provide a representative sampling of key tasks and/or responsibilities associated with the job. They are not intended to be a complete list of all the duties performed by employees in the classification.

To Be Successful in this Position You Will Bring:

• Demonstrated expert-level technical proficiency with over 12 years of diverse experience including mechanical design, machining, fabrication, installation, and electromechanical integration.
• Proven ability to design and independently execute complex hardware projects from CAD model to system integration.
• Extensive machining and CNC programming experience (e.g., Proto-Trak EDGE, SM, SMX, RMX).
• Proficiency in Solid Edge CAD software for mechanical and electromechanical systems design.
• Advance knowledge of - and experience with - x-ray beamline hardware, instrument control, safety systems, cryogenic systems, temperature/humidity controllers, and x-ray, optical, and fluorescence detectors.
• Experience maintaining and/or repairing EPSON robotics.
• Experience maintaining cryogenic sample-cooling systems.
• Examples of independently resolving unanticipated technical issues safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with scientific staff to support experimental goals and implement custom hardware solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians in the execution of complex projects.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and understand system performance deficiencies and recommend improvements to scientific and engineering staff.
• Demonstrated ability to compose clear, comprehensive technical reports that document status, performance deficiencies, as-built deviations from design, and opportunities for improvements.
• Strong verbal communication skills.

SLAC Employee Competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

• Classification Title: Master Scientific and Engineering Technician
• Pay range: A46 Grade: 6699
• Duration: Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $62.16 (Step 1) - $75.26 (Step 10) per hour. Placement in the range is subject to the applicable Collective Bargaining Unit. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.