Liaison Engineer - Brookhaven National Laboratory

At BNL, the Energy & Photon Sciences (EPS) Directorate is working to solve grand challenges that will create solutions and security for the nation’s energy system. Advances in basic science are the underpinning of transformational discoveries that rely on Brookhaven’s data-driven research, cutting-edge synchrotron science, and leadership in energy science through real-time study of applicable energy materials in working conditions. As part of the capabilities and science focus of the EPS, the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) is a state-of-the-art medium energy 3 GeV (3-billion-electron-volt) electron storage ring. The facility offers scientific and industrial researchers an array of instruments (beamlines) using x-ray, ultraviolet, and infrared light to enable discoveries in clean and affordable energy, high-temperature superconductivity, molecular electronics, and more.

Position Description

The Data Science and Systems Engineering Division (DSSI) of the NSLS-II currently has a full-time opportunity for a Liaison Engineer. The selected candidates will have a background in a relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent experience in technical project management. A key part of the role will be to work with division staff in the execution of software and hardware development projects for the world-leading NSLS-II facility. These projects will develop a set of tools to standardize and control the roll out of software and hardware at the NSLS-II beamlines and accelerator and improve the flow and processing of data from the beamline detectors to storage and user analysis. This work will involve working with a diverse team of scientists, engineers and other professionals. The work will also entail working as part of a small project teams, including the organization of sprints and the appropriate reviews and replanning as work progresses.  Part of the role of the Liaison Engineer will be to wok as a Control Account Manager (CAM). The role will require excellent interpersonal and communication skills and organizational proficiency to ensure that projects are completed on schedule and within budget. In addition, the selected candidates are expected to undertake and manage some project tasks, with participation in testing, installation, and commissioning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and facilitate communication and collaboration between diverse groups of engineers, scientists and other professionals across all the NSLS-II Divisions to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget. 
• Collaborate with the small team of staff working on software developments.  Liaise with scientists and other technical staff for the beamlines now in development to jointly refine the scope of the software requirements, resource requirements, and risk mitigation plans.
• Coordinating projects within the DSSI division and developing the associated cost, labor and schedule estimates.
• Develop, manage and submit Project Change Requests (PCRs) with concurrence of key stakeholders.
• Provide technical input and participate in formal project reviews, informal scrums, technical design reviews and required project reporting.
• Maintain close interactions with beamline and accelerator scientific and technical staff to ensure that the design and build of the software and hardware components supports the facility mission. 
• Maintain and implement safety practices and procedures applicable to daily activities. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience
• At least 3 years of related technical experience.
• Experience with software project management is required.
• Effective interpersonal, oral, and communication skills. The ability to work effectively with a diverse range of scientists, software engineers, and other technical staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Some international travel may be required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or related engineering field.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of related experience managing cross-functional projects is preferred.
• Experience with agile project management.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management principles.
• Knowledge of management support software tools such as Primavera, Microsoft Project, Jira and Asana.
• Familiarity with earned value management project practices.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Lifting, moderate weights 15-30 lbs.
• Physical coordination and balances.
• Arm/hand dexterity.
• Vision, good near and normal color.
• Continuous walking/standing/office work.

Other Information:

• The successful candidate will be hired at the appropriate level commensurate with depth and breadth of experience.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the salary range for this position is $94,250 - $130,000 / 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.