Division Director - Cryogenics Division

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking an outstanding candidate to lead the Cryogenics Division within the Accelerator Directorate (AD).

The Cryogenics Division is responsible for the operation, engineering, maintenance, and continuous improvement of cryogenic systems supporting SLAC accelerator facilities, including the superconducting accelerator systems of the Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II). These systems are critical to safe, reliable, and efficient accelerator operations and play an essential role in enabling SLAC scientific user facilities and future accelerator initiatives.

The Cryogenics Division Director manages the resources, budget, and activities associated with cryogenic operations and engineering, including cryoplant operations, maintenance planning, system reliability, engineering support, upgrades, commissioning, and operational readiness. The Division Director is responsible for ensuring disciplined operations, strong engineering practices, and effective integration of cryogenic systems into SLAC accelerator operations and future facility initiatives.

The Division consists of operations and engineering staff supporting cryogenic infrastructure and accelerator systems. The Division Director serves as a member of the Accelerator Directorate senior management team and contributes to the operational and technical strategy of the Directorate and Laboratory.

This position reports to the AD Deputy Associate Laboratory Director for Operations.

Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

• Leading a complex technical organization responsible for cryogenic systems supporting accelerator operations and development programs
• Ensuring reliable operation and operational readiness of the LCLS-II cryoplant and associated cryogenic infrastructure
• Directing division resources, including staffing, budget, infrastructure, and maintenance activities, to ensure safe, effective, and efficient operations
• Leading maintenance planning, lifecycle management, and operational reliability improvements for cryogenic systems, including spare parts planning and outage coordination
• Promoting a culture of disciplined operations, operational readiness, safety, reliability, and continuous improvement across cryogenic operations and engineering activities
• Establishing and maintaining ES&H goals and objectives for the organization to ensure protection of personnel, the public, and the environment
• Serving as a core member of the Accelerator Directorate senior management team
• Establishing and maintaining processes and policies consistent with SLAC and AD Conduct of Engineering principles to ensure disciplined design, operation, maintenance, and modification of cryogenic systems
• Supporting future accelerator and infrastructure initiatives requiring cryogenic systems expertise, including upgrades and new facility capabilities
• Collaborating closely with operations, engineering, physics, maintenance, and project organizations to support high-performance accelerator operations and scientific user programs
• Identifying, clarifying, and resolving complex technical and organizational issues requiring broad technical judgment and cross-functional coordination
• Building, developing, and retaining a highly capable technical workforce, including succession planning and staff development
• Communicating regularly with Directorate leadership regarding operational performance, priorities, risks, and resource needs
• Managing the adoption of emerging technologies and operational improvements supporting cryogenic reliability, maintainability, and performance

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related field and a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in engineering, operations, technical infrastructure, or large technical programs
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing a large, complex technical operations 24 by 7 involving multidisciplinary teams, significant infrastructure, and operational risk
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing a large organization of technical and operations staff through subordinate managers, including success in attracting, developing, and retaining staff
• Demonstrated experience defining and implementing engineering, maintenance, and operational best practices and processes
• Demonstrated experience managing staff in matrixed organizations
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical and organizational issues and make sound decisions in a collaborative and respectful environment
• Ability to establish effective working relationships across organizations and facilitate cross-functional efforts
• Demonstrated strategic planning and organizational leadership capability
• Demonstrated experience with large-scale cryogenic systems, industrial process systems, superconducting accelerator systems, or similarly complex technical infrastructure
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with technical staff and senior management

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Physics, or related field
• Experience supporting the operation or development of large scientific or industrial facilities
• Experience with superconducting accelerator systems or cryogenic plant operations
• Experience with reliability engineering, maintenance strategy, and operational performance improvement
• Formal training or experience in systems engineering or project management
• Experience applying Conduct of Engineering principles in complex operational environments
• Experience managing represented employees.
• Experience supporting DOE-funded projects or large infrastructure programs

• Results Through Others: Achieves expected results by effectively delegating and managing the work of others.
• Aligns Priorities: Ensures planning and prioritization of resources and work efforts; ensures alignment of direct and matrix reports to support organizational goals and business plans.
• Applies Lab Acumen: Maintains understanding of lab efforts and direction as well as current research and trends, considers technology and customer impacts, and contributes relevant, informed ideas to lab growth.
• Navigates Complexity: Demonstrates effective problem-solving and decision-making in complex situations; manages a multitude of information and circumstances to discern what is most important; takes appropriate action, even with conflicting data or in difficult situations.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, and presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
• Self-awareness: Seeks feedback from others and takes ownership of, and actions to address what is learned; recognizes impact on others and adjusts as needed; pursues continuous learning opportunities; implements a meaningful development plan.
• Team Effectiveness: Effectively motivates team members and fosters a diverse and collaborative environment; leverages individual members’ strengths for overall team effectiveness; incorporates insights to improve team operations.
• Purpose & Vision: Articulates a clear vision of expected outcomes; inspires others to execute work plans and feel a sense of purpose and ownership for the mission.
• Attracts & Develops Employee Talent: Plans for, attracts, and hires the right talent for current and future organizational needs; operates with a focus on growing internal talent through organizational and staff development.

• 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 the job.

• 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 safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• 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.
• As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
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 their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

For foreign national candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Why work at SLAC

Bold People
To achieve our ambitious goals and keep SLAC a great place to work, the lab needs people with a wide variety of experiences, ideas, skills and backgrounds.
Visionary Science
We explore how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invent powerful tools used by scientists around the globe.
Real Impact
Our research helps solve real-world problems and advances the interests of the nation.

Classification Title: Research Technical Manager 3

Grade: N, Job code: 4988

Duration: Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $229,608 to $276,025 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Fixed Term N
• SLAC Business Area Accelerator Directorate (AD)
• Locations Menlo Park, CA, United States
• Job Schedule Full time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Job Category Research
• Posting Date 05/13/2026, 12:00 AM
• Grade N
• Job Identification 6756

Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403k plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.