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Scientific Engineering Associate information

What is the difference between Scientific Engineering Associate vs Mechanical Engineering Technician?

AspectScientific Engineering AssociateMechanical Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or scienceAssociate degree or diploma in mechanical technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development projects, scientific settingsManufacturing, testing labs, maintenance facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, government agencies, R&D departmentsManufacturers, engineering firms, industrial plants
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The Scientific Engineering Associate typically holds a bachelor's degree and works in research and development environments focused on scientific projects. In contrast, a Mechanical Engineering Technician usually has an associate degree and supports manufacturing or testing operations. While both roles involve technical skills, the Scientific Engineering Associate is more research-oriented, whereas the Mechanical Engineering Technician focuses on practical application and maintenance tasks.

What cities in California are hiring for Scientific Engineering Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Scientific Engineering Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Scientific Engineering Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Science and Engineering Associate 2

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SLAC National Accelerator Laboratoryexternal

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support scientific instruments and experiments by coordinating efforts among diverse groups and providing technical expertise.

  • Manage, modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex experimental equipment and systems, including controls and vacuum systems.

  • Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of hardware components and instrumentation, and support the preparation for instrument operations.

Job description

Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Operations is seeking Science and Engineering Associates to join our team and provide leadership and support to scientific instruments and experiments. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is a science Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. LCLS is the world's first hard X-ray free electron laser (FEL). LCLS is operated as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments to study fundamental processes of chemistry, technology, and life itself. A suite of 10 instruments for exploiting the unique LCLS scientific capabilities has been produced.
The Science and Engineering Associate is responsible for coordinating efforts among many diverse groups, provide direct technical expertise in support of our science program and our Users from around the globe. Science and Engineering Associates Level 2 provide Work Planning and Control support while working with Scientists, Technicians and Engineers responsible for the configuration of the facility. The Science and Engineering Associate will be a key Technical member of one or multiple teams in charge of instruments and play an important role in maintenance, development and deployment of experiment specific systems as well as any upgrades to the systems. In this key role a fundamental knowledge of Mechanical, Vacuum, Lasers and Controls systems is required. You will support operations involving multiple disciplines utilized in research and experimental activities. This position reports to the LCLS Technical Associate Support Department within the LCLS Experimental Operations Division.
Your specific responsibilities include:
  • Participate in technical research utilizing and/or developing experimental equipment, devices, specimens, plans, designs, reports, and/or data analysis.
  • Leadership responsibilities overseeing technicians and/or support staff in daily work.
  • Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
  • Support scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze requirements, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
  • Manage, modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and experimental systems.
  • Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, job orders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated with development, fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing.
  • Coordinate and work on scientific or engineering installations; plan and execute various phases of an operation, oversee schedule of equipment operations, and supervise routine maintenance.
  • Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental or engineering projects.
  • Maintain documentation related to research studies and protocols, and perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems associated with research or engineering projects, as assigned.
  • Oversee the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/projects, and provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area.
  • Become familiar with the details of the instrument(s) in respect to controls and vacuum systems.
  • Diagnose and resolve any problems that may arise with the instruments' controls and vacuum delivery systems, or troubleshoot issues at a first level and identify tasks requiring expert knowledge.
  • Interact with and assist instrument scientists and users from across the world in the preparation for operations of their specific instruments.
  • Manage the installation, and ensure operation of new hardware-components, and instrumentation.
  • Order, schedule, coordinate, and supervise the work of technicians and support staff.
  • Participate in the planning, procurement and installation cycles for new projects and installation.
  • Perform other related activities as directed by the Experimental Operations Manager.
  • Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this position you will bring:
  • Bachelors' degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline, or five years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.
  • Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization.
  • Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.
  • Experience overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/
  • Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
  • Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.

Certifications and Licenses:
  • A valid California non-commercial driver's license and a good driving record.

SLAC Employee Competencies:
  • Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
  • Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
  • Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
  • Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
  • Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
  • Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
  • Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:
  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Work standards:
  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1-General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/.

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