Controls Electrical Engineer, Electron-Ion Collider - Brookhaven National Laboratory

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) was recently chosen as the building site for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), a one-of-a-kind nuclear physics research facility.  The EIC will be a discovery machine for unlocking the secrets of the “glue” that binds the building blocks of visible matter in the universe. The machine design is based on the existing and highly optimized RHIC Ion-Ion collider.   It will consist of two intersecting accelerators, one producing an intense beam of electrons, the other a beam of protons or heavier atomic nuclei which are steered into collisions.  Beyond sparking scientific discoveries in a new frontier of fundamental physics, the Electron-Ion Collider will trigger technological breakthroughs that have broad-ranging impact on human health and national challenges.

Position Description

The successful applicant will work on an engineering team responsible for electrical and mechanical design, construction, testing, and support of core hardware infrastructure for the EIC Controls System.  This may include the Timing and Machine Protection Systems link generation and distribution equipment, as well as interfaces to critical equipment supported by other EIC Groups (ex. Power Supply & Beam Instrumentation controls).  Work activities may include software interface development for the same systems, in conjunction with a software development and IT team in the EIC Controls Group.  This position will report to the EIC Controls Group Leader and will involve coordination on technical development activities with a Controls Lead Electrical Engineer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the technical development of hardware systems that are required for a large, distributed Accelerator Controls System that contributes to meeting the milestones for the EIC Project.  Controls will support a standardized platform for RF, Instrumentation, Vacuum, Power Supply systems as well as other accelerator equipment at the EIC Complex.

• Contribute to the development of best practices and procedures for prototyping, testing, installation, and commissioning activities associated with all EIC Controls hardware platforms.

• Coordinate with stakeholders in other groups inside and outside of the EIC project that are users or developers of systems reliant on Controls System hardware infrastructure and components, including managers, administrators, technicians, engineers, physicists, and machine operators in order to develop requirements, implementation plans, procure equipment, deploy systems, and support EIC commissioning.

• Participate in technical reviews for EIC Controls Systems and share knowledge with other groups on technical details and status.

• Contribute to the planning and tracking of cost and schedule for systems under the individual’s purview on at least a monthly basis.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field

• At least three years of relevant experience, including design and development experience in a complex computing environment

• Experience with digital electronics design

• Experience with FPGA design using recent generations of Xilinx or Intel chipsets

• Proficiency in HDL coding using VHDL and/or Verilog

• Knowledge of RTL simulation, synthesis, and verification

• Familiarity with standard electronics test equipment, such as oscilloscopes and multimeters

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with others, including through technical writing

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field

• At least five years of relevant experience, including design and development experience in a complex computing environment

• Experience with Xilinx Vivado/Vitis design flow

• Experience with a distributed version control system, such as git

• Experience working in a Linux/Unix environment

• Programming experience in C/C++, Python, Java or another relevant language

• Knowledge of printed circuit board design, layout and fabrication

• Experience with high-speed serial communication technologies, such as multi-gigabit transceivers or SERDES

• Experience working with Particle Accelerator controls or similar distributed systems, especially involving development for hardware and software interfaces

• Experience with analog circuitry design and development, including ADCs and Power Supply regulation applications

• Experience developing remote software interfaces

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Must be comfortable working in industrial, construction and radiation environments.

• Will require occasional climbing ladders, moderate lifting, working in the vicinity of operating machinery, exposure to noise, and the willingness to wear proper PPE.

• Will be required to become a qualified Radiation Worker.

• May be required to occasionally work off-hours, nights and/or weekends to support mission critical projects.

Other Information:

• Occasional travel expected in support of publicizing work within the industry and coordinating with vendors

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $94250 - $155700 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience.  Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.