Manufacturing Engineer

The Engineering Division at Berkeley Lab is seeking a dedicated and experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join the ALS-U (Advanced Light Source Upgrade) Project, a high-impact initiative to upgrade one of the most advanced National User Facilities in the world. This role will focus on managing large-scale Department of Energy (DOE) projects, ensuring that $10M-$15M worth of components and assemblies are designed, fabricated, procured, installed, and tested to the highest standards and within the project timeline. As a key member of the project team, you will oversee complex manufacturing processes, from technical problem-solving and procurement to quality assurance and vendor management. We’re looking for a proactive engineer with a strong foundation in manufacturing and assembly, who excels in coordinating diverse technical teams and driving high-stakes, mission-critical projects to success. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise to groundbreaking research and technology development.

What You Will Do

• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Networks with senior internal and external personnel in their own area of expertise.
• Coordinates fabrication of mechanical assemblies for government-sponsored research programs.
• Creates work instructions, QA documents, test and inspection plans, and other plans to support validation of delivered components.
• Writes specifications for technically complex or challenging procurements: including the gathering and organization of technical details and requirements.
• Provide assistance with establishing performance criteria and specifications for manufacturing, assembly, and testing.
• Participate in developing the project scope and estimate related logistics (time/cost estimates, assembly/installation timelines).
• Assist with the implementation of manufacturing and quality procedures including non-conformance and deviation reporting; oversee the engineering change order processes.
• Explore and validate cost-effective and timely solutions for complex and often technically challenging projects.
• Analyze technical data, designs, preliminary specifications, manufacturing limitations, supplier facilities, and availability of parts and equipment.
• Participate in cross-functional teams of procurement, engineering, technician, and management stakeholders for vendor oversight and issue tracking.
• Review vendor-generated design, drawing and end-item documentation/data packages for integrity and completeness.
• Collaborate with technical staff to assist in identification and resolution of issues with QC (Quality Control) processes, QC documentation, and technical issues with hardware.
• Track and report on material location and status during all phases from fabrication to final acceptance and handoff primarily by means of inventory management software.
• Facilitate material inspection, substitution, standardization, rework, salvage, utilization, and economical procurement of parts and equipment.
• May infrequently travel to vendors and trade shows, as appropriate.
• Design engineering of test support equipment (for example, adapters and fixtures, equipment installation and facility integration, equipment reconfiguration).
• Assist with the creation, implementation, and facilitation of a project-specific program for managing traceable calibration of laboratory tools and equipment.
• Relevant experience with document creation and content reuse via document markup languages such as DITA.

What is Required

• B.S. in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering (or similar) and 5+ years of related experience as a technical liaison/coordinator with procurement staff, or equivalent experience.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting assembly, detail, and weldment drawings.
• Requires a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of area of specialization; resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways.
• Knowledge of the technical aspects and considerations of mechanical/manufacturing related items to determine appropriate procurements for various projects.
• Technical knowledge of manufacturing and assembly practices and processes for particle accelerators, x-ray (synchrotron/FEL) beamline design and vacuum systems.
• Relevant experience in establishing appropriate QA/QC plan for specific jobs.
• Familiarity with dimensional metrology and GD&T.
• Familiarity with Product Data Management software.
• Relevant experience with parametric 3D CAD modeling software.
• Relevant experience with inventory management in production environments of any volume.
• Relevant experience with fabrication techniques (for example, Welding, Conventional Machining, EDM, etc…).
• Relevant experience with NDT techniques such as He leak test, Radiographic test, etc.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in a research and development environment.

Salary

The expected salary for this position is $130,000.00 - $158,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $115,176.00 - $194,340.00 per month 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 may be 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.