RF Student Assistant

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is the building site for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), a one-of-a-kind nuclear physics research facility.  The EIC will be a discovery machine for unlocking the secrets of the “glue” that binds the building blocks of visible matter in the universe. The machine design is based on the existing and highly optimized RHIC Ion-Ion collider.   It will consist of two intersecting accelerators, one producing an intense beam of electrons, the other a beam of protons or heavier atomic nuclei which are steered into collisions.  Beyond sparking scientific discoveries in a new frontier of fundamental physics, the Electron-Ion Collider will trigger technological breakthroughs that have broad-ranging impact on human health and national challenges.

Position Description

We are seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join the Low-Level Radio Frequency (LLRF) Controls team supporting the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) RF Systems. The Student Assistant will work under the guidance of experienced LLRF and RF systems engineers. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to a major U.S. scientific project and gain hands-on experience in digital signal processing, embedded systems, and high‑performance RF control.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Student Assistant will assist with both office‑based and laboratory‑based development activities related to the LLRF control systems for the EIC RF systems. Work will include software development, simulations, testing of digital and analog electronics, and evaluation of RF and control hardware.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• At least 2 years of college education completed towards degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• Interest in RF engineering, feedback control systems, embedded systems, or scientific instrumentation
• Knowledge of FPGA, ADCs and DACs
• Familiarity with electronics test equipment – e.g., function generators, oscilloscopes and multimeters
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with Scripting tools like Python
• Familiarity with FPGA programming languages like VHDL or Verilog
• Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado/Vitis design flow

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Able to lift up to 30 pounds, climb a ladder (low to moderate heights), wear PPE

Other Information:

• Work arrangement On-Site only
• Flexible hours depending on academic schedule; Maximum number of hours per week = 19

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The hourly rate is $19.25/hour.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program

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As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg. 2, Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM- Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM)), and DOE Order 473.1A- Physical Protection Program- Physical Protection Program.

About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.  *VEVRAA Federal Contractor

BSA employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file