Berkeley Lab · 2 weeks ago
Automation Engineer for Safety Systems
Berkeley, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$159K/yr - $175K/yr
8+ years expBerkeley Lab's Engineering division is hiring an Automation Engineer for Safety Systems to design, develop, and lead software for Personnel Protection Systems that safeguard researchers and staff. This role involves developing advanced safety control systems and leading software development projects that integrate various technologies into next-generation systems.
Research
Responsibilities
Contribute to and oversee all phases of software development for PPS, from requirements gathering through design, testing, operation, and long-term maintenance
Select appropriate methods, techniques, and tools to deliver reliable safety systems
Develop, test, and integrate prototypes into existing systems
Perform verification testing and inspections to ensure compliance with functional safety standards and regulations
Design and implement complex safety control systems with a strong focus on automation, redundancy, and fail-safe principles
Develop software interfaces with control hardware and prepare detailed design specifications
Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and safety issues
Lead software development projects and guide coordinators and technicians
Document and present R&D activities to technical and non-technical audiences
Provide training, support, and guidance on safety practices and system operations
Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and external partners on system integration, building a strong professional network across disciplines
Carry out risk assessments and integrate safety measures into software and system design
Ensure adherence to functional safety standards, regulations, and best practices
Stay current with advancements in automation, safety engineering, and industry trends
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, Electronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree, or 6 years with a master's degree; an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered
At least 6 years designing and implementing safety-related control systems
Proven experience designing, developing, and implementing PLC-based applications, with strong hands-on skills in Siemens PLCs, distributed I/O systems, and Siemens TIA Portal
Strong knowledge of software development processes compliant with safety standards such as IEC 61508, IEC 61511, ISO 13849, or similar
Proficiency in automation programming languages, including Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Structured Control Language
Familiarity with safety PLC design concepts (redundancy, safety integrity levels, fail-safe design)
Strong understanding of modern coding practices: version control, debugging, testing, and clear code documentation
Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a track record of clear documentation and effective presentations
Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams
Detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to problem-solving, quality, and safety
Demonstrated ability to stay current with industry developments and apply continuous learning
Preferred
Experience with Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers, PLC-Sim Advanced, and Simit
Skilled in Siemens WinCC Comfort/Unified HMI development
Experience with Siemens libraries and diagnostic functions
Knowledge of industrial safety and fault-tolerant automation systems
Familiarity with safety hardware (safety PLCs, relays) and industrial network protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, SNMP, Modbus, OPCUA)
Familiarity with FPGA-based applications
Experience in similar facilities or high-risk environments
Knowledge of electrical design tools such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN
Additional programming experience (C/C++, Python, Java)
Siemens TIA-SAFETY and TIA-PRO2 training or certifications
Certified Functional Safety Engineer (CFSE) or equivalent
Siemens TIA-UWCC1 and other recognized safety certifications (TÜV, ISA, etc.)
Company
Berkeley Lab
Berkeley Lab is a national laboratory that creates advanced new tools for scientific discovery.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Berkeley Lab has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (154)
2024 (159)
2023 (163)
2022 (154)
2021 (165)
2020 (107)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Mary Barnum, MBA
Business Manager, COO Office
Rebecca Rishell
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
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