Beamline Operator

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

1d•$54,600 - $68,300•Onsite

About The Position

The X-BEAMS CXFEL facility is seeking a Beamline Operator to provide direct operational, diagnostic, and maintenance support for X-ray beamlines, ultra-high vacuum systems, precision optics, and sub-picosecond laser systems. The role is suited to graduates of associate-degree programs in Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Electronics, Instrumentation, or related technical disciplines. The operator works with staff scientists, engineers, and visiting researchers to support safe, reliable, and efficient beamline operations during scientific experiments. The position supports routine engineering projects and initiatives, including maintenance of engineering systems and research facilities. It involves routine beamline operation and troubleshooting, support for experiments, safety monitoring, operations logging, and use of control-system interfaces. The operator participates in rotating shifts during scheduled user science campaigns, which may include occasional evenings or weekends. Work takes place in an advanced scientific laboratory with cleanroom-like environments, high-voltage systems, class 4 lasers, and radiation-shielded enclosures. The position requires moving up to 40 pounds and maneuvering in confined technical spaces, as well as standing, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods. Required PPE may include laser safety eyewear, cleanroom garments, and gloves.

Requirements

Associate's degree and one year of experience appropriate to the area of assignment or field, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or training that provides comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to move up to 40 pounds and maneuver in confined technical spaces around experimental hardware.
Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods during equipment setup and maintenance routines.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required by laboratory safety guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, basic wiring, soldering, or instrument repair.
Coursework or practical exposure to ultra-high vacuum hardware, including flanges, pumps, or leak detection, or to fluid or pneumatic systems.
Familiarity with technical schematics, piping and instrumentation diagrams, or mechanical blueprints.
Experience using basic laboratory test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, or alignment lasers.
Ability to communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Basic familiarity with Linux or Windows and control software interfaces such as EPICS, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or basic Python scripting.

Responsibilities

Execute routine startup, tuning, monitoring, and shutdown procedures for X-ray beamline components, diagnostics, sample chambers, and endstations.
Perform preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on vacuum pumps, motion controllers, precision stages, water cooling loops, and basic electronic hardware.
Assist visiting and resident researchers with experimental setup, sample mounting, motor calibration, and detector alignment.
Monitor facility interlock systems for radiation safety, laser safety, and oxygen depletion, and enforce safety protocols within experimental halls.
Document operational parameters, system outages, maintenance logs, and standard operating procedures using electronic shift logs and ticketing systems.
Use graphical user interfaces, including EPICS and LabVIEW, to control motor positions, vacuum pressures, valve states, and diagnostic readouts.
Participate in rotating operational shift schedules, including occasional evening or weekend runs during scheduled user science campaigns.