Particle Accelerator User Application Systems Engineer

The expected hiring range for this position is:

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 the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:

Fermilab's Accelerator Directorate Controls Department seeks skilled Particle Accelerator User Application Systems Engineers to join the ACORN project, focused on modernizing the ACNET control system for Fermilab's accelerator complex. You will act as a high-level technical expert responsible for the design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of user-facing applications that interface with complex accelerator hardware and data systems. This role involves working closely with physicists, operators, and other engineers to understand requirements and deliver robust, reliable software solutions within a large-scale, distributed control system environment.

* This position is not eligible for sponsorship. *

* The position is for a period of up to three (3) years, with the potential for extension considered on a yearly basis thereafter. *

What your day-to-day as a Particle Accelerator User Application Systems Engineer at Fermilab will look like:

• You will design, code, test, debug, document, and maintain user applications, backend services, and libraries for the accelerator control system.
• Providing technical leadership on the development and integration of software components modernizing the ACNET environment.
• Participating in and leading design efforts, gathering requirements and information from scientific and technical users for specific projects.
• Developing and implementing detailed specifications for software systems and applications, considering system capacity, performance, and reliability.
• Integrating software applications with accelerator hardware interfaces, data acquisition systems, and databases.
• Developing and executing testing strategies for applications and systems, including integration and system-level testing.
• Managing deployment processes for applications within the control system environment.
• Communicating and coordinating effectively with personnel from other departments and disciplines (e.g., physics, engineering, operations).
• Acting as a primary contact for system and operational problems related to developed applications, leading investigation and resolution efforts.
• Providing guidance and training to less experienced team members.
• May supervise, instruct, direct, and check the work of others.
• Abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Required Skills and Attributes for Success:

• High school diploma
• 8+ years of experience developing complex software projects.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field with 6+ years of experience developing complex software projects Preferred.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

(Required)

• Detailed knowledge of software development practices using modern high-level languages (e.g., Flutter/Dart, Rust, Java).
• Experience developing applications for complex, distributed systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly for debugging system-level issues.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) skills.
• Ability to efficiently multi-task and switch contexts among diverse technical activities.

(Desired)

• Experience with control systems, data acquisition (DAQ), or interfacing with hardware.
• Experience working in a scientific research environment, particularly particle physics or accelerators.
• Knowledge of network programming and distributed system architectures.
• Experience with database design and interaction (SQL or NoSQL).
• Familiarity with software development tools and practices such as version control (e.g., Git), continuous integration, and automated testing.
• Experience with front-end development technologies (JavaScript, web frameworks) is a plus.

Work Arrangement:

Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final. 

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

 
Benefits/Perks:

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits 
• Onsite day care

Why Fermilab: 
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening  

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement   

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. 

What To Expect Next:
We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.