Apply on Employer Site

Michigan State University College of Engineering · 1 day ago

Non-Conventional Utility Engineer III / Engineering/Physicist Accelerator III

East Lansing, MI

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Michigan State University (MSU) operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), supporting the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. The Non-Conventional Utility Engineer III will lead projects related to water-cooling loops and hydrogen recombiner systems, ensuring operational continuity and reliability through advanced troubleshooting and technical leadership.

Higher Education

Responsibilities

Serve as project leader and subject matter expert for the water-cooling loops, the Hydrogen Recombiner 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

Qualification

Non-conventional Utilities engineeringWater piping systems designFluid mechanicsThermodynamicsHeat transferCAD proficiencyExotic metals knowledgeSafety programs knowledgeMicrosoft Office SuiteProblem-solving abilitiesOrganizational skillsCommunication skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics

Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in physics, electronics, mechanical and/or electrical drafting, fabrication techniques, heat transfer, cryogenics and computer systems

Experience in the use of CAD and/or related engineering systems, including file transfer

Experience in the use of exotic metals, including knowledge of their properties, in the fabrication and assembly of sophisticated research equipment

Non-conventional Utilities (NCU) engineering, systems, and measurements expertise, including deep knowledge of applicable regulatory and legal frameworks

Working knowledge of designing and maintaining pressurized 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

Advanced understanding of mathematics

Knowledge of and strict adherence to safety programs, 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 organizational skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and react to shifting priorities to meet business needs and deadlines

Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly verbally and in writing with all audiences

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred

Working knowledge of resolver/encoder systems in analog control loops (not as used in motor servomechanisms)

Advanced Mechanical Engineering degree with 10+ years of experience

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with 14+ years of experience, or military equivalent

Operations experience in a National User Facility, water utility, industrial continuous process, power generation/cogeneration, nuclear, military or navy environment

Experience with deionized water systems, process instrumentation, ASME B31.3 process piping, ASME BPVC

Experienced radiological worker training

Strong troubleshooting, excellent mechanical and/or electronic skills, and demonstrated practical, hands-on experience

Familiarity with AutoCAD, ChemCAD, Microsoft Office