Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Detector Systems Technologist I

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.

Purpose: 

The Detector Systems Technologist I supports the reliable fabrication, assembly, and maintenance of radiation detectors and beam diagnostic systems at FRIB to ensure safe and continuous operation of experimental equipment.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with the fabrication and assembly of FRIB radiation detectors and beam diagnostic devices under the guidance of senior staff, working as part of a team. 
• Support construction of vacuum systems and help perform leak checks using standard leak-detection equipment, such as helium mass spectrometers and residual gas analyzers, following established procedures. 
• Follow detailed instructions to help fabricate system subcomponents, including vacuum vessels, thin film electrodes, wire grids, vacuum hardware, and mechanical parts. 
• Operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment (e.g., foil stretchers, wire-winding machines, ultrasonic cleaning baths) after training; assist with upgrades as directed. 
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the job classification. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Basic familiarity with high- and ultra-high-vacuum principles (e.g., outgassing, pump-down behavior, conductance, helium leak detection), with willingness to learn proper selection and handling of vacuum-compatible materials through on-the-job training.
• Ability to operate vacuum equipment such as vacuum pumps and helium mass-spectrometer leak detectors under supervision, and to record and report measurement results accurately.
• Introductory understanding of radiation detector systems and basic operational constraints, including mechanical interfaces, material compatibility, and cleanliness requirements relevant to detector and beamline components.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings and assembly instructions, including basic dimensions, tolerances, torque specifications, alignment requirements, and fastening methods.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers; experience with additional tools (e.g., height gauges, bore gauges) is a plus but not required.
• Basic hands-on experience, or willingness to learn, in fabricating and assembling mechanical or detector subcomponents, including installation of vacuum seals (e.g., O-rings) and simple mechanical or electrical hardware.
• Ability to document fabrication and assembly activities, including maintaining basic as-built records and reporting nonconformances under guidance.
• Ability to follow established procedures and safety practices for fabrication, assembly, and operation of laboratory equipment.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with technicians, engineers, scientists, and supervisors.
• Basic proficiency with standard office and documentation software, such as Microsoft Office applications

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Electrical Engineering or Physics and significant course study in Chemistry; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in fabrication techniques, mechanical and electronic drafting, computer systems programming, audio, R-F, and digital electronics; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience working with high or ultra-high vacuum systems
• 1-3 years of experience in a technical role involving complex assemblies
• 1-2 years of experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings

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 May 19, 2026, 11:55 PM