Mechanical Engineer - LCLS Experimental Systems Engineering

Job Overview

Position overview:
The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an internationally preeminent science facility, operated by Stanford University at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on behalf of the Department of Energy, Office of Science. This facility provides world-leading scientific capabilities to a global user community, covering a very broad research portfolio that includes the development of advanced materials and chemical catalysts for clean energy systems; drug discovery for modern pharmaceuticals; and fundamental studies of astrophysical phenomena.

We are seeking a candidate to fill the position of a Mechanical Engineer - LCLS Experimental Systems Engineering. The successful candidate will help drive a dynamic and exciting environment, leading the engineering development and operation of a broad array of scientific instruments that operate at the frontier of science.

The successful candidate will join the LCLS mechanical engineering team. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of new X-ray science instruments and help lead the development of new operational capabilities for the LCLS facility.

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

Your specific responsibilities include:
Contribute to the mechanical engineering development for new initiatives that advance X-ray and optical experiment technologies (i.e. increase capability/reduce cost).

Contribute to the mechanical engineering development for the integration and testing of systems and devices, working with staff scientists, fabrication facilities and personnel, and technicians.

Responsible for the technical scope and quality assurance working with Project Management through design reviews and standardized engineering practices.

To be successful in this position you will bring:
BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field and at least two years of experience in the following areas:

A willingness to learn fabrication techniques for producing complex components and systems

Demonstrated skill with CAD

Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a diverse team environment.

Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate in a team environment.

In addition, preferred requirements include:
A Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering are equivalent field.

Some experience with design, operation, and maintenance of UHV vacuum systems.

Some experience with FEA tools (ANSYS) and Matlab.

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 common goals.

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 the 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 1 General 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

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Responsibilities

Summary:
An entry-level position for a PhD graduate in a scientist position

or

A level for continuing career professional in an engineering position with fully functioning and independent skillset.

Scope of Impact:
Executes well-defined priorities or specific programmatic objectives.

Knowledge and Expertise:
Demonstrated expertise in a specific scientific or technical area and ability to apply this expertise to complete program or project objectives.

Applies general principles, theories, and concepts, and contributes to the development of advancements.

Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate.

Program Development:
Contributes to the completion of milestones associated with specific projects and technical products to accomplish the laboratory’s goals.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:
BS in applicable engineering or scientific discipline and 2 years of relevant experience

Minimum Qualifications

Pay Range $117,622.75-$219,562.46

Pay Frequency Annually

Fixed Term N

SLAC Business Area Linac Coherent Light Source Directorate (LCLS)

Full time or Part time Full Time

Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (On-site)

Job Schedule Part time

Regular or Temporary Regular

Job Category Research - Engineering

Posting Date 08/26/2026, 06:48 PM

Grade K

Job Identification 200859

Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

World-class exercise facilities

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403k plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

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 their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation), illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.