Senior Mechanical Engineer — Engineering​/Physicist Accelerator III

Overview

Senior Mechanical Engineer at Michigan State University’s FRIB Laboratory, operating the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. FRIB provides researchers with advanced tools to study rare isotopes and enable discoveries in nuclear science, including applications in medicine, homeland security, and industry. This position offers the opportunity to be part of FRIB’s world‑class Laboratory and contribute to unique discoveries in nuclear science.

The Mechanical Systems Engineer serves as the subject matter expert for mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and building control systems that support the FRIB User Facility’s accelerator and experimental (technical) systems. The role provides engineering leadership and consultant management for planning, design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of these critical systems, ensuring reliable integration with accelerator and experimental equipment. The position ensures compliance with applicable engineering standards and environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements while supporting project execution and integration across accelerator, experimental, and conventional facility systems.

• Serve as the accelerator systems subject matter expert for interpretation of engineering requirements, project requirements development, codes, and standards; manage engineering standards and procedures, support the design review process, and the value engineering program.
• Oversee mechanical and plumbing system commissioning activities to ensure systems operate according to design intent and project specifications.
• Coordinate and oversee HVAC testing, adjusting, and balancing activities and ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, safety requirements, and company policies.
• Provide engineering support for mechanical systems in the FRIB Accelerator System and Support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and implementation activities.
• Coordinate technical aspects of the project engineering process to produce efficient designs that meet the technical baseline requirements and develop conceptual designs for mechanical, plumbing, and building control systems for facility projects and upgrades.
• Manage and oversee preventative maintenance strategies for mechanical and plumbing infrastructure.
• Review system performance data and assist in troubleshooting operational issues.
• Prepare, present, and implement results and expectations to internal and external review committees.
• Implement system requirements, drawing and specification control, review major procurement packages, and address QA actions; ensure system compliance with ES&H and QA requirements.
• Interface with accelerator systems, experimental systems, and conventional facilities project engineers to assure integration across functional areas.
• Evaluate the impact of new loads added to existing mechanical and plumbing systems and recommend system modifications as needed.
• Serve as the primary interface between internal departments, contractors, vendors, and engineering consultants.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and design documentation.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the job classification.

• Strong understanding of mechanical system load analysis and system integration
• Excellent communication and project coordination skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Thorough knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, building automation, and control systems
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly with all audiences
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; five to eight years of Mechanical Engineering experience with commissioning and HVAC balancing processes; five to eight years of experience coordinating with external engineering consultants and contractors; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; ability to work with export-controlled technologies.

• 10-15 years…