Senior RF Engineering Associate

The Berkeley Lab's Engineering Division is hiring a Senior RF Engineering Associate to provide expert technical support for electrical and electronic systems within the Advanced Light Source (ALS) projects with a focus on supporting the RF Group. This role involves providing assistance and design support for Power Supply systems, managing documentation, procurement, fabrication, and testing to ensure system performance and operations. Under limited direction and in close collaboration with engineers, project leaders, and technical teams, the Senior Electrical Engineering Associate provides advanced technical support and leadership for the Advanced Light Source (ALS) Radio Frequency (RF) Group. This role leverages deep electrical engineering expertise and scientific knowledge to plan, coordinate, and execute complex project tasks from initial design through final implementation.

The Senior Associate independently interprets technical requirements, designs and integrates electrical systems, and develops and reviews detailed schematics and documentation. They provide guidance to trades and cross-functional teams, test and troubleshoot sophisticated systems, manage procurement and installations, and ensure alignment with LBNL and OSHA safety standards.

This position is responsible for resolving a wide range of complex technical challenges, drawing on advanced technological skills, scientific principles, and project management. The role supports ALS Electrical Engineering efforts within the LINAC RF, Booster Ring RF and Storage Ring RF systems through independent work and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Responsibilities include electronic design, documentation, procurement, installation planning, and system testing. Proficiency in developing and executing test procedures based on in-depth system knowledge is essential. The position may also involve leading/supervising others in similar job classifications.

What You Will Do:

• Support cross functional teams in the design, procurement, fabrication and testing of RF systems up through 3 GHz as well as general electronic systems supporting the RF systems including controls.
• Support the RF EE team in the development and testing of low-level RF systems serving as the drive for medium and high-power RF systems (the latter including klystrons operating up to 300kW CW power at 500 MHz and 20 MW peak pulsed power at 3 GHz driving RF cavities of different types).
• Lead and support cross-functional project teams to execute electrical engineering coordination tasks.
• Develop, interpret, and revise electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Create clear work instructions and detailed drawings using AutoCAD and related tools.
• Coordinate system installation planning, material procurement, and scheduling with trades and vendors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational or design issues using innovative solutions.
• Ensure compliance with Lab safety protocols, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a liaison between engineering, scientific, and facilities teams to ensure effective cross-disciplinary communication.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of workflows, documentation, and project execution processes.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Draft and review schematics with a focus on accuracy and clarity.
• Write concise and actionable work instructions based on existing designs for trades personnel.
• Oversee project task coordination and follow-through to completion.
• Manage materials procurement and inventory for assigned systems.
• Coordinate and support system installations to meet project timelines.
• Conduct quality assurance (QA) on as-built installations and document necessary changes.

What is Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• +15 years of experience.
• Both RF and general electronics backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or support multi-phase engineering projects, particularly within scientific or highly technical environments (e.g., national labs, accelerators, or large research facilities).
• Experience with preparing technical documentation, work instructions, and as-built drawings.
• Familiarity with electrical codes and safety standards (e.g., NEC, NFPA 70E).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Low Level RF circuit and system design and testing up through 3 GHz.
• RF test and measurement equipment including vector network analyzers, spectrum/signal analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
• Waveguides, coaxial cables and RF interconnects/terminations.
• RF and general-purpose circuit board materials and layout.
• Electrical drawing and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD / Bluebeam / KiCAD or equivalent).
• Chassis design and rack design / layout.
• Adept documentation management skills.
• LOTO & electrical safety.
• Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, system integration, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience with project leadership and coordination of cross-functional teammates.
• Electrical systems and engineering best practices.

Desired Qualifications:

• Low Level RF circuit and system design and testing up through 10 GHz.
• Familiarity with medium power solid state RF amplifiers and/or higher power RF systems with klystrons and circulators up through 3 GHz.
• Designing and/or installing complex electrical systems.
• Troubleshooting control systems.
• JIRA (or similar project/task-tracking tool).

Salary:

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.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: 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 Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.