FRIB Project Controls Engineer

Overview

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 advanced tools to study rare isotopes and enables discoveries about nuclear science, with applications in medicine, homeland security, and industry. FRIB is operated as one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities.

MSU’s nuclear physics graduate program is highly regarded.

This position offers an opportunity to join the world-class FRIB Laboratory and contribute to unique discovery opportunities in nuclear science.

The FRIB Project Controls Engineer I will assist in facilitating and managing project controls at the MSU Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. This includes developing, maintaining, integrating, and reporting on project and sub-project schedules and cost estimates. The role also involves actively monitoring schedule and cost baselines and providing timely reports and analyses in accordance with requirements and generally accepted project management standards and best practices.

• Develop and maintain project schedules by working with task leads and Control Account Managers. Use project management software like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project to ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain cost control processes. Collect and report on cost status for management reporting and earned value tracking. Analyze and review cost/budget expenditures.
• Review and analyze schedule and cost performance for reporting to project management and earned value tracking using specialized software tools.
• Identify and develop schedule contingency plans. Analyze schedule variances and propose remediation strategies, including critical path analysis, after notifying management.
• Offer ongoing support in cost engineering, planning, and scheduling. Report monthly status to project and sub-project managers and provide input for internal and external reviews.
• Attend regular project controls meetings to review and update performance.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the job classification.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications with extensive and demonstrable experience in advanced Excel functions.
• Working knowledge of Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and applicable DOE orders for project controls, including Earned Value Management System (EVMS) techniques, project management policies, and procedures.
• Ability to develop customized reports and perform detailed data analysis using EVM and scheduling software.
• Strong judgment and ability to make informed, high-quality decisions promptly.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.
• Ability to take ownership of responsibilities to consistently deliver results and meet expectations.
• Proactive work style with optimism and motivation to drive progress.
• Demonstrates organizational, problem-solving, and negotiating skills, and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to changes, be creative with solutions, and have tolerance for ambiguity.
• Demonstrates adaptability by effectively receiving and implementing feedback to improve performance and contribute to team success.

Knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree in a scientific or engineering discipline; three to five years of related experience in project controls or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience using a project scheduling tool such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6, including creation, management, and reporting of detailed project schedules.

• Familiarity with requirements and regulations associated with DOE, DOD, or NSF projects.
• Knowledge of Cobra Earned Value Management Software. Experience with Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Management, including custom reporting, data management, and analysis.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong presentation skills to communicate with senior management and external review committees.
• Technical aptitude to learn and update complex custom software with limited training.
• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced project management environment and deliver high-quality support timely.
• Commitment to safety, environment, and security; promotes safe behaviors and communicates related concerns.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.