Senior Scientist - X-ray Source Control Systems

What's the role?

The Senior Scientist - X-ray Source Control Systems leads research, prototyping, and quantitative characterization of next generation X-ray source technologies with a specialized focus on high voltage (HV) electronics, precision power delivery, and closed loop control systems.

This role emphasizes the design and optimization of high voltage electron-optical subsystems, power electronics architectures, and real-time control strategies that ensure stable, high performance X-ray generation. You will define the technical agenda for HV subsystem development-covering emission power supplies, control firmware, beam stabilization electronics, and advanced diagnostic and protection circuits.

Your contributions will directly advance source reliability, stability, spectral quality, lifetime, and integration into next generation X-ray microscopy platforms.

Here's what you'll do

• High-Voltage Electronics & Power Systems- Design and optimize HV power supplies (20-200 kV), emission drivers, and beam control systems. Develop stable, low-noise power architectures and robust protection strategies (arc detection, fault tolerance, thermal limits).
• Control Systems & Stabilization- Build closed-loop control systems for beam current, voltage, and thermal stability. Develop embedded firmware (FPGA/MCU) and integrate sensors for real-time monitoring and performance optimization.
• Electron Optics Collaboration- Partner with electron-optics experts to ensure HV and control systems support precise beam formation and stable X-ray generation.
• Prototyping & Integration- Lead development and testing of HV electronics, control systems, and diagnostics. Work cross-functionally to integrate solutions into complete X-ray systems.
• Leadership & Innovation- Own projects end-to-end, mentor team members, and drive innovation in advanced HV and control technologies.

Do you qualify?

• PhD or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with specialization in high voltage electronics, power systems, embedded control, or charged particle devices.
• Demonstrated experience designing or modeling HV power supplies, precision analog circuits, control systems, or radiation source electronics.
• Experience with electron guns, electron-optical lenses, vacuum devices, or Xray generation strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with prototype electronics development, test automation, HV diagnostics, and control system characterization.
• Fluency in English is required, including technical terms.
• Ability to work with and understand the work product of team members from all R&D-related departments, as well as Manufacturing and Marketing. Exceptional communication skills to resolve technical challenges between mechanical, electrical and software engineering, advanced development, manufacturing and marketing.

Pay and benefits

The annual pay range for this position is $140,000 - $175,000.

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

This position is also eligible for a performance bonus or sales commissions. ZEISS also offers robust benefits, including medical plans, retirement savings plan and paid time off.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• 401k Matching
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Vacation and sick pay
• The list goes on!

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements, duties, or responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to interpret, amend, or otherwise modify, in whole or in part, any job description at any time, at its sole discretion.