Non-Conventional Utility Engineer III/Engineering/Physicist Accelerator III
Listed on 2026-01-12
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Engineering
Mechanical Engineer, Systems Engineer
Non-Conventional Utility Engineer III Position Summary
Michigan State University (MSU) operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE‑SC), supporting the mission of the DOE‑SC Office of Nuclear Physics. FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes, or short‑lived nuclei not normally found on Earth.
Hosting what is designed to be the most powerful heavy‑ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry. User facility operation is supported by the DOE‑SC Office of Nuclear Physics as one of 28 DOE‑SC user facilities. MSU’s nuclear physics graduate program is a top‑ranked program nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.
This position affords an exciting opportunity to become part of the world‑class FRIB Laboratory that enables unique discovery opportunities in nuclear science.
Major Duties/Responsibilities- Serve as project leader and subject matter expert for the water‑cooling loops, the Hydrogen Re combiner and Ion Harvesting systems, providing strategic oversight of operations and maintenance. Ensure continuous system reliability through leadership of 24/7/365 operational support, advanced troubleshooting, and resolution of complex technical challenges.
- Ensure operational continuity by providing technical leadership for 24/7 system availability. Maintains readiness to respond to critical incidents and coordinates emergency resolution efforts, including off‑shift interventions when required.
- Produce and document effective design solutions by developing concepts, performing engineering calculations, and creating CAD design/details of water pumping piping systems.
- Perform advanced modeling and simulation of thermal loads, heat budgets, and hydraulic systems to optimize performance and reliability. Provide technical input for test verification and validation activities.
- Direct and review complex repairs, modifications, and performance testing of process control systems and major components, including pumps, valves, and heat exchangers, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and operational integrity.
- Represent engineering in division‑level meetings; deliver technical reports and presentations addressing operational challenges, long‑term planning, and maintenance strategies.
- Develops and updates Operation Procedures, Emergency Responses, and Personnel Training.
- Executes failure analysis of NCU components.
- Supports the development of the annual Operation budget and maintains spare inventory.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.
- Non‑conventional Utilities (NCU) engineering, systems, and measurements expertise, including deep knowledge of applicable regulatory and legal frameworks (e.g., federal, state, local, etc.). Sound judgement regarding implementing these regulations to contribute to organisational performance and success.
- Working knowledge of designing and maintaining pressurised water piping and pumping systems associated with industry standards.
- Ability to work with NCU equipment, including radioactive water and hydrogen gas re‑combiners.
- Thorough knowledge of exotic metals.
- Demonstrable expertise in water and gas engineering, in particular fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
- Working knowledge of resolver/encoder systems in analog control loops (not as used in motor servomechanisms) is preferred.
- Advanced understanding of mathematics.
- Knowledge of and strict adherence to safety programmes, OSHA, and all related rules, regulations, and procedures that apply to this position’s responsibilities.
- Thorough knowledge of CAD.
- Knowledge of accelerator systems and complex systems facility operations.
- Superior problem‑solving abilities.
- Demonstrated organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and react to shifting priorities to…
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