Data Acquisition and Control Hardware Engineer

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position does not provide relocation, or sponsorship.

About the role: 
Fermilab’s Accelerator Division (AD) ACORN project is seeking a Data Acquisition & Control Hardware Engineer to assist with the modernization of the control system hardware across the Accelerator Power Systems (APS) and Data Acquisition & Control (DAC) WBS elements.  This position plans & performs engineering tasks, which includes research, design and development of medium to large engineering projects or portions of large projects in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, requirements, and standards, and all Department of Energy (DOE) orders.  Assignments typically include equipment design & development, test of materials, preparation of specification, coordination of manpower required to manufacture, & install/ test projects.

What your day-to-day as a Data Acquisition & Control Hardware Engineer at Fermilab will look like:

• Analyzes data and performs engineering calculations. Develops designs of specific parts, components, or phases of a project.  
• Develops specifications, designs, and documents for complex and perhaps major engineering design solutions. Work involves applying a variety of standard to moderately complex engineering techniques to assignments which have clear and specified objectives.
• Collaborates with subsystem managers, engages with legacy system experts to verify requirements and hardware functionality, and provides technical leadership to teams working on system modernization and electronics upgrades. 
• Conducts functional analyses of existing control system hardware.
• Leads in-house designs for hardware.
• Collaborates with ACORN Project and Controls Department staff on the integration of new hardware into a fully functioning accelerator control system, including full system testing and commissioning.
• Advises subsystem managers on strategic decisions for using commercial items versus in-house designs.
• Plans medium to large projects from inception to completion and brings them to operating status. Estimates manpower, schedules work, coordinates and directs technicians.  
• Presents material as part of technical design reviews and project reviews.
• Takes a lead role in procurement, manufacturing, installation, testing, and operation.   
• Assists with or leads the development of cost estimates, as well as the monitoring of budgetary obligations, particularly in the context of a DOE 413.3B project.  
• With oversight, may review and approve work before resources are committed, ensuring conformance to specifications and cost/time constraints.  
• With review and approval of supervisor, commits hardware and financial resources, ensuring conformance to specifications and cost/time constraints.
• Serves on or leads safety panels, review committees, and other subcommittees as assigned.  
• Provides technical direction to draftspersons, designers, engineering associates, technicians, or less senior engineers, as assigned. Coordinates and/or supervises technicians and other engineers, as assigned.  
• May participate in technical conferences and publication. 
• May provide supervision or leadership of a team including hiring, promotions, performance reviews, training, disciplinary actions, team exits, and other duties as assigned. 
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. 
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position. 

Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success:

• Bachelor’s in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 6+ years of engineering experience, or a Master’s or PhD in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 4+ years of engineering experience.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: 

• Knowledge of digital and analog circuit design and simulation.
• Knowledge of FPGA development and System on Chip architectures.
• Ability to interpret and analyze electrical schematics and technical documentation for existing analog and digital subsystems.
• Experience with developing standards and documentation.
• Experience with life cycle management is a plus.
• Experience with power electronics is a plus.
• Experience with project management and DOE 413.3B projects is a plus.
• Experience with developing and managing requirements is a plus.
   

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final. 

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits 
• Onsite day care
   

Why Fermilab: 
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening  

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement   

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. 

What To Expect Next:
We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.