Senior Mechanical Engineer — Engineering/Physicist Accelerator III

Working/Functional Title

Senior Mechanical Engineer

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 Mechanical Systems Engineer serves as the subject matter expert for mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and building control systems that support the FRIB User Facility’s accelerator and experimental (technical) systems. This position provides engineering leadership and consultant management for the planning, design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of these critical systems, ensuring their reliable integration with accelerator and experimental equipment. The role ensures compliance with applicable engineering standards and environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements while supporting project execution and integration across accelerator, experimental, and conventional facility systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Serve as the accelerator systems subject matter expert for specific interpretation of engineering requirements, project requirements development, codes, and standards, and manage engineering standards and procedures, support the design review process, and the value engineering program.
• Oversee mechanical and plumbing system commissioning activities to ensure systems operate according to design intent and project specifications.
• Coordinate and oversee HVAC testing, adjusting, and balancing activities and ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, safety requirements, and company policies.
• Provide engineering support for mechanical systems in the FRIB Accelerator System and Support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and implementation activities.
• Coordinate technical aspects of the project engineering process to produce efficient designs that meet the technical baseline requirements and develop conceptual designs for mechanical, plumbing, and building control systems for facility projects and upgrades.
• Manage and oversee preventative maintenance strategies for mechanical and plumbing infrastructure.
• Review system performance data and assist in troubleshooting operational issues.
• Prepare, present, and implement results and expectations to internal and external review committees. 
• Implement system requirements, drawing and specification control, review major procurement packages, and address Quality Assurance (QA) actions. Ensure system compliance with Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) and QA requirements.
• Interface with accelerator systems, experimental systems, and conventional facilities project engineers to assure integration across functional areas.
• Evaluate the impact of new loads added to existing mechanical and plumbing systems and recommend system modifications as needed. 
• Serve as the primary interface between internal departments, contractors, vendors, and engineering consultants.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and design documentation.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong understanding of mechanical system load analysis and system integration
• Excellent communication and project coordination skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Thorough knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, building automation, and control systems.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; five to eight years of Mechanical Engineering experience with commissioning and HVAC balancing processes; five to eight years ofexperience coordinating with external engineering consultants and contractors; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; ability to work with export-controlled technologies.

Desired Qualifications

• 10-15 years of relevant experience in mechanical systems design and facility engineering.
• Proficiency with engineering and drafting software.
• Strong understanding of mechanical system load analysis and system integration.
• Excellent communication and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Thorough knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, building automation, and control systems.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.

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 June 30, 2026, 11:55 PM