Experimental Facility Operator

Overview

For this position we are seeking an entry level or near entry level electrical and/or mechanically inclined equipment operator to join our multidisciplinary team that includes design engineers, test engineers, fluids and thermal researchers, and experienced technicians. The selected individual will, under supervision, design, build, test, operate and troubleshoot cutting‑edge experimental systems and subsystems with a primary focus on the operations and maintenance of an intermediate‑scale liquid metal technology facility called the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) and other experimental systems.

METL is an intermediate‑scale liquid metal experimental facility whose purpose is to provide purified R‑grade sodium to various experimental test vessels to test components that are required to operate in a prototypic advanced reactor environment. The METL facility will provide its services to researchers located at Argonne, in the U.S. and internationally.

Note:

This description describes the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities.

• With limited supervision, follow written procedures to operate and maintain the METL facility and small and intermediate‑scale liquid metal technology facilities.
• With limited supervision, provide technical support for experimental and programmatic work in the areas of mechanical, electromechanical, optical, fluid, controls, and electrical systems, supporting the research needs of the R&D community who will be installing and testing components in METL.
• With limited supervision, develop, fabricate, troubleshoot, repair, calibrate, purchase, and maintain a variety of complex electronic and mechanical apparatus, plant/process equipment, and subsystems that support the METL facility and the experiments conducted in that facility.
• With supervision, assist in the design and test electronic systems which typically consist of power supplies and controllers, data logging hardware, and equipment for temperature and valve control.
• Some experience with experimental design and operation including instrumentation (thermocouples, pressure transmitters, flow meters, level, etc.) specification, installation and operation.
• Liquid metal technology expertise is desirable, but not essential. You will be trained on handling liquid metals.
• Some familiarity with industry standards and practices for electrical and/or mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment (motors, pulleys, gears, pumps, valves, etc.), thermal effects on materials and components (expansion, evaporation, etc.), and operation of a personal computer.
• Knowledge of metallurgy, heat transfer and fluid mechanics is desirable.
• Some LabVIEW/Eurotherm/industrial control experience is desirable.
• Must maintain knowledge and awareness of laboratory policies and procedures.
• Skilled in oral and written communication.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values: impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• The position may include intermittent shift work because METL operates 24 hours per day.

The selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (ST3 or ST4) depending upon depth and breadth of relevant knowledge, skills, and experience brought to the position.

ST3 Level: Technical institute or AA degree and 7+ years of related work experience, Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and 4+ years of related work experience, or equivalent. Expected pay range: $35.73 – $55.74 per hour.

ST4 Level: Technical institute or AA degree and 10+ years of related work experience, Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and 7+ years of related work experience, or equivalent. Expected pay range: $39.78 – $62.06 per hour.

Job Family:
Support Technical (ST) – Experimental Technical Support 3 – Worker Type:
Regular, Time Type:
Full time. Expected hiring range for this position: $29.75 – $46.41 per hour.

Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.  to view Argonne employee benefits.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect,…