"Scientific Engineering Associate"

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is hiring a Scientific Engineering Associate (SEA) to join the Berkeley Accelerator Controls and Instrumentation (BACI) Program within the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division. In this role, the SEA will help advance control and instrumentation systems that support cutting-edge quantum computing research.

The SEA will contribute to a variety of projects and programs at LBNL--most notably the Advanced Quantum Testbed (AQT) and the Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA)--by designing and developing sophisticated control systems.

As part of a fast-moving field, the SEA will work at the forefront of quantum computing technologies, developing Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based control systems for a range of advanced qubit platforms, including superconducting circuits, neutral atoms, and trapped ions.

What You Will Do:

• Contribute to the development, testing, and optimization of the Quantum Bit Control System (QubiC).
• Design and implement electronic hardware, including schematic capture, PCB layout and bring-up, and rackmount chassis and panel design.
• Assemble and test a variety of PCBs, such as FPGA, RF, analog front-end, and peripheral boards.
• Develop mechanical chassis with attention to thermal management, power distribution, and system integration needs.
• Collaborate with the team to design and validate hardware modules that enhance system performance and scalability.
• Document system requirements, design approaches, and testing procedures for deployment.
• Coordinate fabrication with external vendors, including quoting, order tracking, and quality control.
• Work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Adhere to EH&S guidelines to ensure a safe laboratory and office environment.

What is Required:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated R&D experience in RF and digital electronics, including PCB design, testing, and system-level integration.
• Hands-on experience with PCB layout, testing, debugging, and surface-mount rework/repair.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers.
• Experience with CAD tools for electronic and mechanical design.
• Familiarity with the design, implementation, and maintenance of electronic instrumentation systems or devices.
• Programming experience in Python for test automation or system control.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate technical resources to meet project goals.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present technical results.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Willingness and ability to learn new tools, technologies, and techniques as project needs evolve.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and following established EH&S protocols.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with open-source CAD tools, including KiCAD for PCB design and FreeCAD for mechanical design.
• Hands-on experience with Xilinx FPGA development, including chip- and board-level design.
• Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems and development environments.
• Working knowledge of additional programming languages such as C, C++, or Rust.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 1-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.
• The expected salary range for this position is $7,046 - $11,893 per month, and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $7,046 - $9,691 per month depending upon the candidate's qualifications and years of experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
• 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. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

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