AI Research Software Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

1d • $9,761 - $16,473 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring an AI Research Software Engineer. This position is within the Advanced Light Source (ALS) Accelerator Physics Group (APG), part of the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division. The APG is responsible for ensuring the operation, performance, and continuous improvement of the ALS accelerator complex.
The role advances artificial intelligence and machine learning for accelerator operations, spanning both applied research and the software that puts it into practice. The objective is to develop AI/ML methods, and the software that supports them, that make the ALS accelerator accessible to modern AI systems — enabling real-time machine optimization, AI-assisted operations, and intelligent automation of accelerator tuning and diagnostics. The work combines investigation of new approaches with their deployment in an operational environment.
The person in this position will connect accelerator control systems with modern AI/ML capabilities, supporting both existing optimization tools and next-generation autonomous agent systems for accelerator operations. The role is especially timely with the upcoming ALS Upgrade (ALS-U) commissioning, which offers the opportunity to establish these methods and tools correctly from the start.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in computer science, physics, engineering, or a related field with at least 3 years of related experience; or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and deploying software systems in a scientific or engineering environment.
• Strong programming skills, including proficiency in Python and familiarity with modern development practices (version control, testing, documentation).
• Working knowledge of machine learning methods and their application to scientific or engineering problems.
• Demonstrated ability to design and build complex software systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team alongside physicists, engineers, and operations staff.
• Good command of written and oral English and communication skills.
• Ability to foster constructive, respectful, and cooperative workplace relationships.

Nice To Haves

• A Ph.D. in a relevant field is preferred and counts toward the experience requirement.
• Experience working at an accelerator facility or similar large-scale scientific instrumentation environment.
• Experience with accelerator control systems (e.g., EPICS) and real-time data acquisition.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and scientific computing libraries (e.g., NumPy, pandas).
• Familiarity with accelerator control system frameworks (e.g., EPICS, Bluesky, ophyd) and real-time data systems.
• Experience with LLM-based agent architectures, tool-use patterns, and autonomous AI systems.
• Experience with containerization (Docker), CI/CD pipelines, and production deployment practices.
• Experience with distributed systems, API design, and real-time data streaming.

Responsibilities

• Conduct applied research in artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for accelerator optimization, diagnostics, and operations.
• Develop and deploy machine learning models and autonomous AI agent systems for accelerator optimization, diagnostics, and operations.
• Design and develop the software and interfaces that connect accelerator control systems with AI/ML applications.
• Contribute to the group’s software and computing environment, including control-system integration and operational tools.
• Collaborate with accelerator physicists, controls engineers, and operations staff to identify opportunities for automation and to translate physics requirements into working solutions.
• Disseminate results through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant conferences and workshops.
• Apply sound development practices to produce reliable, well-documented, and maintainable software.
• Support the operation of the ALS accelerator systems, including availability during off-hours as needed.
• Participate in the commissioning activities of the ALS Upgrade as they relate to AI/ML systems.
• Comply with LBNL/ALS Environment, Safety, and Health (EH&S) practices and requirements.

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level