Scientific Engineering Associate

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

126d • $7,046 - $11,893

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is hiring a Scientific Engineering Associate (SEA) to join the Berkeley Accelerator Controls and Instrumentation (BACI) Program within the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division. In this role, the SEA will help advance control and instrumentation systems that support cutting-edge quantum computing research. The SEA will contribute to a variety of projects and programs at LBNL—most notably the Advanced Quantum Testbed (AQT) and the Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA)—by designing and developing sophisticated control systems. As part of a fast-moving field, the SEA will work at the forefront of quantum computing technologies, developing Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based control systems for a range of advanced qubit platforms, including superconducting circuits, neutral atoms, and trapped ions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated R&D experience in RF and digital electronics, including PCB design, testing, and system-level integration.
• Hands-on experience with PCB layout, testing, debugging, and surface-mount rework/repair.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers.
• Experience with CAD tools for electronic and mechanical design.
• Familiarity with the design, implementation, and maintenance of electronic instrumentation systems or devices.
• Programming experience in Python for test automation or system control.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate technical resources to meet project goals.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present technical results.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Willingness and ability to learn new tools, technologies, and techniques as project needs evolve.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and following established EH&S protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with open-source CAD tools, including KiCAD for PCB design and FreeCAD for mechanical design.
• Hands-on experience with Xilinx FPGA development, including chip- and board-level design.
• Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems and development environments.
• Working knowledge of additional programming languages such as C, C++, or Rust.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, testing, and optimization of the Quantum Bit Control System (QubiC).
• Design and implement electronic hardware, including schematic capture, PCB layout and bring-up, and rackmount chassis and panel design.
• Assemble and test a variety of PCBs, such as FPGA, RF, analog front-end, and peripheral boards.
• Develop mechanical chassis with attention to thermal management, power distribution, and system integration needs.
• Collaborate with the team to design and validate hardware modules that enhance system performance and scalability.
• Document system requirements, design approaches, and testing procedures for deployment.
• Coordinate fabrication with external vendors, including quoting, order tracking, and quality control.
• Work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Adhere to EH&S guidelines to ensure a safe laboratory and office environment.

Benefits

• Full-time 1-year term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance.
• Expected salary range of $7,046 - $11,893 per month, depending upon qualifications and experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees