FRIB Project Controls Engineer 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 FRIB Project Controls Engineer I will assist in facilitating and managing project controls at the MSU Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. This includes developing, maintaining, integrating, and reporting on project and sub-project schedules and cost estimates. The role also involves actively monitoring schedule and cost baselines and providing timely reports and analyses in accordance with requirements and generally accepted project management standards and best practices.

 Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and maintain project schedules by working with task leads and Control Account Managers. Use project management software like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project to ensure compliance with university policies and procedures. 
• Develop and maintain cost control processes. Collect and report on cost status for management reporting and earned value tracking. Analyze and review cost/budget expenditures. 
• Review and analyze schedule and cost performance for reporting to project management and earned value tracking using specialized software tools. 
• Identify and develop schedule contingency plans. Analyze schedule variances and propose remediation strategies, including critical path analysis, after notifying management. 
• Offer ongoing support in cost engineering, planning, and scheduling. Report monthly status to project and sub-project managers and provide input for internal and external reviews. 
• Attend regular project controls meetings to review and update performance. 
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the job classification. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications with extensive and demonstrable experience in advanced Excel functions.
• Working knowledge of Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and applicable Department of Defense (DOD), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Energy (DOE) orders for project controls, including Earned Value Management System (EVMS) techniques, project management policies, and procedures.
• Ability to develop customized reports and perform detailed data analysis using EVM and scheduling software.
• Ability to demonstrate strong judgment and expertise to make informed, high-quality decisions promptly.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.
• Ability to take ownership of responsibilities to consistently deliver results and meet expectations.
• Ability to proactively pursue work and interactions with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to drive progress.
• Demonstrates organizational, problem-solving, and negotiating skills, and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to changes, be creative with solutions, and have a tolerance for ambiguity.
• Demonstrates strong adaptability by effectively receiving and implementing feedback from coworkers and supervisors, continuously improving performance, and contributing to team success.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree such as a bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in project control positions; earned value management methods; experience using a project scheduling tool, such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6, including creation, management, and reporting of detailed project schedules; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with the requirements and regulations associated with DOE, DOD, or NSF projects is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Cobra Earned Value Management Software. Experience with Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Management, including custom reporting, data management, and analysis, is a plus.
• Certification as a Project Management Professional, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Strong presentation skills to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse stakeholder groups, including senior management and external review committees.
• Technical aptitude to learn and update complex custom software with limited training.
• Ability and flexibility to manage priorities in a fast-paced project management environment while delivering high-quality support in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety, and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

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

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends March 11, 2025, 11:55 PM