Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

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 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. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• 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 judgment regarding implementing these regulations to contribute to organizational performance and success.
• 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.
• 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 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.

Minimum Requirements

The job requires a 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; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Required Application Materials

Please provide a cover letter and a resume. 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

frib.msu.edu

Bidding eligibility ends January 13, 2026, 11:55 PM