Argonne Advanced Photon Source(APS) - Job Posting

["Sullivan, Joseph via Tech-talk" <tech-talk at aps.anl.gov>]

The X-Ray Science Beamline Controls(BC) group is seeking an experienced EPICS Controls System Developer to join our beamline controls and instrumentation team. The successful candidate will play a key role in the development, integration, and maintenance of distributed control systems for scientific instruments and infrastructure using the EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System) framework. The role requires strong programming skills, familiarity with real-time systems, and the ability to work closely with scientists, engineers, and technical staff in a collaborative environment.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain beamline control system software using the EPICS framework.
• Integrate a wide range of hardware systems (e.g., FPGA/ARM, motion controllers, sensors, actuators, scientific detectors) into the control architecture.
• Develop and configure IOCs (Input/Output Controllers), EPICS records, and device drivers.
• Create user interfaces (UIs) using tools such as MEDM, caQtDM, CS-Studio, or pyDM.
• Support commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of control system components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, software) to ensure reliable and safe operation of scientific experiment systems.
• Document software and system configurations, design decisions, and procedures.
• Participate in software version control, configuration management, and deployment processes.
• Provide ongoing support for operations and contribute to system upgrades and enhancements.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Experience with EPICS in a scientific or industrial controls setting.
• Proficiency in programming/scripting languages such as C/C++, Python, and Shell scripting in a Linux environment.
• Experience integrating and configuring control hardware systems (e.g., motion stages/robotics, data acquisition, detectors, triggering/timing).
• Solid understanding of networked distributed control systems and real-time application development.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with scientific staff and end users.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
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Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Experience developing or supporting controls for synchrotron beamlines or other large scientific facilities.
• Familiarity with area detectors, timing systems, and data acquisition pipelines.
• Knowledge of scientific user workflows and beamline operational models.
• Exposure to the EPICS 7 toolchain, including PvAccess, normative types, and areaDetector.
• Experience with FPGA-based electronic designs using SoC development boards.
• Familiar with industrial fieldbuses (e.g. modbus, EtherCAT,…) and networked communication standards (e.g. TCP/IP, UDP, HTTPS,..)
• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
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The selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD2 or RD3) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:

• RD2: Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of experience; Master’s and 3+ years; Doctorate and 0 years, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $90,063 - $143,010.
• RD3: Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of experience; Master’s and 5+ years; or Doctorate and 4+ years; or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $109,922 - $175,605.

 

APS EPICS Controls System Engineer Job Posting

 

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.

 

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Joseph Sullivan <jpsullivan at anl.gov>

Beamline Controls Group Leader

X-ray Science Division

Argonne National Laboratory