Control System Engineer Specialist, Argonne National Laboratory

Where: Lemont, IL

Post date: November 6, 2025

Description of the role:

The X-Ray Science Division (XSD) Beamline Controls (BC) group is seeking an entry-level or early career controls engineer or scientist to join our team developing and supporting distributed control systems for world-class synchrotron beamlines. This role offers mentoring by senior engineers while giving you the opportunity to make immediate contributions to cutting-edge scientific instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain beamline control software using the EPICS framework.

  • Integrate diverse hardware (motion controllers, sensors, detectors, FPGA/ARM systems) into reliable, high-performance control architectures.

  • Learn to build and configure Input/Output Controllers (IOCs), device drivers, and user interfaces.

  • Create modern experiment user interfaces (UIs) using the EPICS suite of UI clients (caQtDM, Phoebus/CS-Studio or PyDM) and web frameworks.

  • Support commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of beamline controls.

  • Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to ensure safe, efficient operation of experiments.

  • Document system configurations, design choices, and operational procedures.

  • Participate in software version control (GitLab/GitHub) and deployment processes.

  • May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications:

  • Proficiency in C/C++ and Python in a Linux environment.

  • Familiarity with real-time or embedded systems concepts.

  • Ability to integrate hardware/software (e.g., motion stages, DAQ, detectors).

  • Problem-solving skills, eagerness to learn, and ability to work independently or in a team.

  • Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

  • Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

Apply: ARGONNE CAREERS