Lead Water System Engineer III / Engineering/Physicist Accelerator III

Working/Functional Title

Lead Water System 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.

Purpose: 

The Non-Conventional Utilities Lead Water System Engineer III serves as the lead water systems engineer responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of FRIB's specialized cooling water and process utility systems. The position provides technical leadership for radioactive cooling water loops, water treatment systems, hydrogen recombination systems, process piping networks, pumps, heat exchangers, instrumentation, and associated utility infrastructure supporting accelerator operations. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient system performance through engineering analysis, system design, failure analysis, maintenance planning, and operational support. The NCU Engineer III also provides technical leadership for the design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, and long-term operation of new water and utility systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Serve as the system owner and subject matter expert for FRIB's cooling water, water treatment, hydrogen recombination, and associated process utility systems. Provide technical leadership for system operation, maintenance, reliability improvement, and lifecycle management. 
• Lead troubleshooting and failure analysis activities involving pumps, valves, heat exchangers, piping systems, instrumentation, control systems, and water treatment equipment. Develop and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and performance. 
• Design and develop modifications, upgrades, and new installations for cooling water, process piping, and utility systems. Perform engineering calculations, equipment sizing, hydraulic analyses, and technical reviews. 
• Perform advanced engineering analysis of fluid flow, heat transfer, thermal performance, hydraulic systems, and system capacity to support operations and future facility needs. 
• Direct and review maintenance, repair, testing, and commissioning activities for major utility system equipment. Ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable engineering standards, operational requirements, and safety practices. 
• Provide engineering support for facility projects involving cooling water systems, process utilities, and related infrastructure. Develop technical specifications, evaluate vendor proposals, and oversee contractor activities. 
• Develop and maintain operating procedures, maintenance procedures, emergency response plans, system documentation, and personnel training materials. 
• Conduct equipment performance assessments and trending analysis to identify degradation, improve system reliability, and support predictive maintenance activities. 
• Support budget planning, capital improvement initiatives, spare parts strategies, and long-term asset management for NCU systems. 
• Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of this position. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Thorough knowledge of industrial cooling water, process water, and utility distribution systems.
• Advanced knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, and process engineering principles.
• Thorough knowledge of pumps, heat exchangers, filtration systems, water treatment technologies, valves, piping systems, and process instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex system performance issues involving utility and water systems.
• Working knowledge of process piping codes and industry standards, including ASME B31.3 and related engineering practices.
• Knowledge of process control systems and associated instrumentation.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations, hydraulic analyses, thermal analyses, and system evaluations.
• Knowledge of maintenance and reliability engineering principles.
• Knowledge of accelerator systems and complex research facility operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated project leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple technical priorities and respond effectively to operational challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with CAD software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of and adherence to safety programs, OSHA requirements, radiological controls, and applicable regulations.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Five to eight years of professional experience supporting the design, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, commissioning, or reliability improvement of industrial water systems, process utility systems, cooling water systems, power generation systems, chemical processing systems, or similar utility infrastructure.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced 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
• Documented experience with deionized water systems, process instrumentation, ASME B31.3 process piping, ASME BPVC
• Successful completion of Radiological Worker Training
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, 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

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 09/22/2026 at 11:55 PM