Senior / Principal Electronics Engineering Associate

The Berkeley Lab's Engineering Division is hiring a Senior or Principal Electronics Engineering Associate to provide expert technical support for electrical and electronic systems within the Advanced Light Source (ALS) and ALS Upgrade (ALS-U) projects, with a focus on advanced cable plant infrastructure. This role involves providing assistance and design support for structured cabling systems, managing documentation, procurement, fabrication, and testing to ensure system performance.

This position requires hands-on experience in cable plant environments, 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-U 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-U projects.

What You Will Do:

• Assist in designing and installing cable plant systems, including structured cabling and infrastructure.
• Work with cables, power supplies, and control devices in cable trays and trenches.
• Ensure compliance with electrical requirements (voltage, resistance, grounding, power).
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues and maintain necessary qualifications (e.g., Qualified Electrical Worker, NFPA 70E).
• Design and assist in implementing experimental systems, conducting tests, and selecting reliable components.
• Test cables for continuity, signal strength, and interference post-installation.
• Document cabling systems and designs using CAD tools, adhering to LBNL standards.
• 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) to avoid conflicts.
• Use procurement systems (ePro/eBuy) and assist in procuring electronics, racks, and infrastructure per industry standards (NEC, NRTL, LBNL).

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-U projects at LBNL.
• Provide mentorship to entry-level engineering associates.

What is Required:

Senior Electronics Engineering Associate:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical/electronics 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 power distribution, networking, and system integration.
• Proficient in reading electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Extensive experience in cable plant design, electronic systems, and related fields.
• Expertise in structured cabling, fiber optic networks, and electrical/electronic components.
• Familiar with PLTC, plenum vs. non-plenum cables, and NRTL (UL, FT4) fire safety standards.
• Knowledge of various cable types (multi-conductor, fiber optic, coaxial, twisted pair).
• Ability to optimize cable paths and plan for conduits and cable trays to avoid interference.
• Ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure and proper grounding to reduce noise.
• Experience with electrical codes and safety standards (NEC, LOTO, NFPA 70E).
• Familiar with NEC, NFPA-70/70E, and Qualified Electrical Worker certification.
• Experience with high current/high voltage DC power supplies and PLC-controlled safety systems.
• 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/electronics 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 accelerator/beamline electronic systems or equivalent industrial experience.
• Familiar with PLCs, ladder logic, and industrial control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Berkeley Lab is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and strives to continue building 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.

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