ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating thirteen beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center, this last in partnership with other institutions. Currently constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, it sums up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges. Institution ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating thirteen beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center, this last in partnership with other institutions.

Currently constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, it sums up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges. Located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain), it is funded by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) and the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Recerca i Universitats). The synchrotron light produced by 3 GeV electrons is used by thousands of researchers to analyse and understand the properties and functionality of matter, spanning a wide variety of fields, such as catalytic research, health, energy production/storage, environmental research, communication technologies, or cultural heritage.

One of the goals of our gender equality plan is to reach parity within the Consortium’s different divisions and offices, and several actions have been taken to encourage applications from women mostly in scientific, engineer and technical job positions. Located close to Barcelona in a natural park and well connected by car and public transportation, with excellent connectivity to the world and an employer who understands the importance of life-work balance. For more information, you can take a look on our history watching this video: Tasks Please view the following video for a detailed explanation of the positions’ functions and selection process: The Controls and Data Acquisition (DAQ) Section is currently staffed by 19 engineers.

They design, develop,



operate and support the Control Systems of the Accelerators, Beamlines, and Laboratories and the Data Acquisition systems required for the experiments. In relation with the ALBA II project, the Controls and DAQ Section will grow with additional 5 engineers. We are looking for two Controls Software Engineers eager to learn and take on new challenges while contributing to: Develop Software for the Control System, Data Acquisition, and Data Processing of the ALBA Synchrotron’s Accelerators and Beamlines.

Participate in the development of the generic software toolset, including the core libraries, hardware specific developments and control, including graphical components and integration of actuators, sensors and detectors. Propose and implement innovation projects in the field of Controls software in order to ensure growth of the Section technical expertise. Take part in Agile teams for software development projects.

Provide operational support and maintenance for the services related to the Control Systems, particularly for Accelerators and Beamlines.

Software

Interfaces; Network-based Distributed Control Systems (DCS) e.g. Python based Controls and DAQ frameworks for Synchrotron’s Accelerators and Beamlines Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), either for desktop environment in PyQt and pyqtgraph or for web environment in JavaScript and React DevOps: automated testing, packaging and CI/CD, Configuration Management, logging and monitoring Linux System administration, Linux Kernel device drivers and Linux Kernel modules The position requires fluent speaking and writing of English. If a candidate's English level is lower, the consortium will provide means for reaching the desired level within 6 months.





Requirements The requirements for participation must be met on the date of the deadline for the submission of applications and will be accredited by means of the CV attached to it, without prejudice to the power of the selection body to require the contribution of the originals of the certifications accrediting the qualifications, training and work experience invoked in the CV. University degree in Computer Engineering. Final year students of Computer Engineering degree (at least 180 ECTS achieved) will be as well accepted and shall attach their academic Transcript of Records (ToR).

Alternatively, candidates holding Physics or Engineering degree guaranteeing similar technical capacities as Computer Engineering university degree will also be considered. She/he must have at least 3 year of programming experience or equivalent knowledge in Python or C++. Alternatively, candidates with at least 5 years of experience with Java or other OOP languages will also be considered.

As a first phase, an analysis of the curriculum will be carried out (assessment of previous experience and / or scientific history, degree, training and other professional information relevant to the position). Career breaks or variations in the chronological order of CVs will be regarded as an evolution of a career, and consequently, as a contribution to the professional development.

Computer Engineering

Studies (5 points); Alternatively, candidates with other studies demonstrating courses certificates in Software Development Lifecycle (up to 5 points for 200 h courses). DCS (10 points), Python Controls and DAQ frameworks (10 points), GUIs (5 points); DevOps (5 points), Linux (5 points). Provided they meet the minimum requirements and have ranked among the top five after the assessment of the CV phase, at least one person from the underrepresented gender in the division/office will be interviewed.

Other Information

Permanent contract. Base salary range €34,500 – €43,000 gross per year.

Additional remuneration: annual productivity bonus (approximately 4% of the base salary), subject to the applicable internal policy and performance evaluation. ALBA also offers an attractive employment conditions, including versátil working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

📌 Controls Software Engineer (Sardañola del Vallés)
🏢 ALBA Synchrotron
📍 Sardañola del Vallés