Control System Engineer Specialist

The X-Ray Science Division (XSD) Beamline Controls (BC) group is seeking an entry-level or early career controls engineer or scientist to join our team developing and supporting distributed control systems for world-class synchrotron beamlines. This role offers mentoring by senior engineers while giving you the opportunity to make immediate contributions to cutting-edge scientific instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain beamline control software using the EPICS framework.

• Integrate diverse hardware (motion controllers, sensors, detectors, FPGA/ARM systems) into reliable, high-performance control architectures.

• Learn to build and configure Input/Output Controllers (IOCs), device drivers, and user interfaces.

• Create modern experiment user interfaces (UIs) using the EPICS suite of UI clients (caQtDM, Phoebus/CS-Studio or PyDM) and web frameworks.

• Support commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of beamline controls.

• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to ensure safe, efficient operation of experiments.

• Document system configurations, design choices, and operational procedures.

• Participate in software version control (GitLab/GitHub) and deployment processes.

• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python in a Linux environment.

• Familiarity with real-time or embedded systems concepts.

• Ability to integrate hardware/software (e.g., motion stages, DAQ, detectors).

• Problem-solving skills, eagerness to learn, and ability to work independently or in a team.

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Coursework or projects in controls, robotics, or embedded systems.

• Experience with EPICS or other control frameworks.

• Hands-on work with sensors, actuators, or motion control systems.

• Exposure to industrial communication (EtherCAT, Modbus, TCP/IP).

• Familiarity with AI/ML, DevOps tools, or containerized environments is a plus.

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD1 or RD2) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:

• RD1: Bachelors and 0+ years’ experience, Masters and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. This position is expected to pay between $74,799 - $118,785.

• RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years’ experience, Masters and 3+ years’ experience, PhD and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. This position is expected to pay between $90,063 - $143,010.

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Systems and Design Engineering 1

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $74,799.00 - $118,785.42.

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 as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.