Description

Purpose
The NCU systems at FRIB are crucial for providing cooling water, including off-gas handling and water treatment for beamline equipment located within the target hall. The NCU systems comprise two independent water-cooling loops, the Hydrogen Recombiner, and the Ion Harvesting booster pumps, which handle supply and return functions, along with instrumentation, valves, and gas supply and return lines. The NCU Engineer III leads the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and failure analysis of these systems. In addition, you would provide critical input during the design, fabrication, procurement, installation, commissioning, and operation of new NCU systems. Additional responsibilities include modeling, testing, evaluation, and validation of NCU systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Serve as project leader and subject matter expert for the water-cooling loops, the Hydrogen Recombiner and Ion Harvesting systems, providing strategic oversight of operations and maintenance. Ensure continuous system reliability through leadership of 24/7/365 operational support, advanced troubleshooting, and resolution of complex technical challenges. 
• Ensure operational continuity by providing technical leadership for 24/7 system availability. Maintains readiness to respond to critical incidents and coordinates emergency resolution efforts, including off-shift interventions when required. 
• Produce and document effective design solutions by developing concepts, performing engineering calculations, and creating CAD design/details of water pumping piping systems. 
• Perform advanced modeling and simulation of thermal loads, heat budgets, and hydraulic systems to optimize performance and reliability. Provide technical input for test verification and validation activities. 
• Direct and review complex repairs, modifications, and performance testing of process control systems and major components, including pumps, valves, and heat exchangers, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and operational integrity.  
• Represent engineering in division-level meetings; deliver technical reports and presentations addressing operational challenges, long-term planning, and maintenance strategies.  
• Develops and updates Operation Procedures, Emergency Responses, and Personnel Training. 
• Executes failure analysis of NCU components. 
• Supports the development of the annual Operation budget and maintains spare inventory. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
       

• Non-conventional Utilities (NCU) engineering, systems, and measurements expertise, including deep knowledge of applicable regulatory and legal frameworks (e.g., federal, state, local, etc.). Sound judgment regarding implementing these regulations to contribute to organizational performance and success.
• Working knowledge of designing and maintaining pressurized water piping and pumping systems associated with industry standards.
• Ability to work with NCU equipment, including radioactive water and hydrogen gas re-combiners.
• Thorough knowledge of exotic metals.
• Demonstrable expertise in water and gas engineering, in particular fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Working knowledge of resolver/encoder systems in analog control loops (not as used in motor servomechanisms) is preferred.
• Advanced understanding of mathematics.
• Knowledge of and strict adherence to safety programs, OSHA, and all related rules, regulations, and procedures that apply to this position’s responsibilities
• Thorough knowledge of CAD.
• Knowledge of accelerator systems and complex systems facility operations.
• Superior problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and react to shifting priorities to meet business needs and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly verbally and in writing with all audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Requirements

MSU Classification Required:
       

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physics; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in physics, electronics, mechanical and/or electrical drafting, fabrication techniques, heat transfer, cryogenics, and computer systems; and may require experience in the use of CAD and/or related engineering systems, including file transfer; experience in the use of exotic metals, including knowledge of their properties, in the fabrication and assembly of sophisticated research equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Record of accomplishment in the field of expertise
• Ability to work with export-controlled technologies

FRIB Desired:

• Advanced Mechanical 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
• Experience with deionized water systems, process instrumentation, ASME B31.3 process piping, ASME BPVC
• Experienced radiological worker training
• Strong troubleshooting, excellent mechanical and/or electronic skills, and demonstrated practical, hands-on experience
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, ChemCAD, Microsoft Office.