Instrumentation Senior or Principal Electronics Engineering Associate

The Berkeley Lab's Engineering Division is hiring an Instrumentation Senior or Principal Electronics Engineering Associate to provide expert technical support for electrical and electronic systems within the Advanced Light Source (ALS) with a focus on supporting the Accelerator Instrumentation group. This role involves providing assistance and design support for printed-circuit boards, electronic chassis and internal wire/cable harnessing, structured cabling systems, managing documentation, procurement, fabrication, and testing to ensure system performance.

This position requires hands-on experience assembling and troubleshooting integrated electronic equipment with a background in electronics or electrical 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 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 projects.

What You Will Do:

• Support design of electronic systems including printed-circuit boards, electronic chassis and internal wire/cable harnessing, while adhering to electrical, mechanical, and thermal constraints.
• Assist in designing and installing cable systems, including structured cabling and infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with electrical requirements (voltage, current, grounding, etc.).
• Test and troubleshoot electronic systems and components on the bench and in the field, including
• Design and assist in implementing experimental systems, conducting tests, and selecting reliable components.
• Monitor project progress and ensure alignment with organizational goals, safety, budget, and timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Coordinate with other trades (electricians, technicians) for electronics and cabling assembly and installation.
• Maintain qualifications (e.g., Qualified Electrical Worker) and adhere to electrical safety practices (LOTO, NFPA 70E).
• Use procurement systems (ePro/eBuy) and assist in procuring electronics equipment, ensuring compliance with standards (NEC, NRTL, LBNL).
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety protocols.
• Communicate clearly and adhere to safety standards.

Additional Responsibilities as Needed:

• 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:

Senior Electronics Engineering Associate:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical/electronic engineering or related field, with 5+ years of professional experience.
• Strong foundation in electronics design, testing, and troubleshooting, with expertise in circuits, wiring, power distribution, and control systems.
• Knowledge of PCB manufacturing process.
• Ability to create/Update PCB layouts using Xpedition, Pads or KiCAD software.
• Knowledge of power distribution, networking, and system integration.
• Proficient in reading electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Expertise in structured cabling, fiber optic networks, and electrical/electronic components.
• Advanced ability to manage technical projects from start to finish using project management principles, combined with strong teamwork and collaboration skills with engineers, technicians, and stakeholders.
• Proficient in CAD tools (AutoCAD, OrCAD, KiCAD) for schematic capture and layout.
• Ability to work with mechanical models.
• Experience with database management, PLM tools, and QA workflows.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Project, and basic computer skills.

In Addition to the Above, Principal Electronics Engineering Associate:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical/electronic engineering or related field, or equivalent experience, with at least 7 years of professional experience.
• Ability to calculate required bandwidth and plan for future growth.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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.

Salary:

Senior Electronics Engineering Associate:

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.

Principal Electronics Engineering Associate:

The expected salary for this position is $135,000.00 - $165,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $119,988.00 - $202,488.00 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.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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 and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status.

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.

Equal Opportunity Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - "Know Your Rights" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.