Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Superconducting Mechanical Design Lead

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: 

Advanced supervisory position designing and engineering innovative technical devices supporting superconducting component design for heavy-ion accelerator development and operation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop, modify, and approve programs, budgets, design methods, documentation, testing, or policies and procedures for a specific subject matter domain, including 
  • Creating program standards
  • Identifying regulatory requirements
  • Ensuring operability of technical devices and/or execution of programs
  • Preventative maintenance, repair, and parts management for assigned technical equipment
  • Records management
  • Metrics assuring efficacy of the program
  • Training in the program (including awareness training and education)

• Manage design group members and be accountable for their work product and delivery schedule 
• Serve as subject matter expert for a specific subject matter domain, including advising laboratory staff 
• Work with stakeholders (including external consultants) to develop and present design solutions, and convene design reviews to obtain stakeholder feedback and endorsement 
• Produce and document effective design solutions by developing concepts, performing complex engineering calculations, and creating CAD designs/details to provide engineering support for fabrication, assembly, and commissioning of technical equipment 
• Prepare and present work at design reviews and conferences 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Mechanical Engineering Expertise –knowledge and understanding of practices of engineering, and sound judgment regarding their implementation to contribute to organizational performance and success
• Communication – effectively articulating and exchanging information with stakeholders at all levels—internal and external
• Service Focus – the ability to identify and meet appropriate client expectations by offering high-quality services and solutions tailored to diverse client and stakeholder needs
• Analytical Skills – the ability to create, develop, analyze, and promulgate technical and/or technological implications of a mechanical engineering action
• Collaboration & Teamwork – the ability to work effectively with others
• Continuous Learning – the ability to maintain continuous improvement
• Ethical Practice – the ability to support and uphold the values of the organization while balancing and mitigating risk
• Critical Evaluation – the ability to create, develop, analyze, summarize, and present information to make technical decisions
• Proficiency with Solidworks and ADEPT
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Sharepoint, Teams and Word

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering; five to eight years of progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research instrument hardware or devices of comparable complexity; work experience in standard fabrication and joining techniques, high vacuum systems, sealing techniques, and cleanliness protocols; knowledge of basic optomechanical design practices; experience designing moving mechanical systems, both rotary and translational; experience in the design and fabrication of sophisticated research equipment; experience with CAD/CAE is required, SolidWorks/ANSYS; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

• Mechanical Engineering degree with eight to ten years of experience
• Experience with system-level detailing and checking mechanical drawings for production
• Experience with SolidWorks and PDM Systems
• Experience in the design, fabrication, and complex assembly of superconducting equipment
• Experience in fabrication techniques, cryogenic systems, installation and operations setup, electronics, mechanical and electronic drafting, and computer systems
• Ability to work with export-controlled materials

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

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 06/09/2026 at 11:55 PM