Mechanical/Project Engineer - Brookhaven National Laboratory

At BNL, the Energy & Photon Sciences (EPS) Directorate is working to solve grand challenges that will create solutions and security for the nation’s energy system. Advances in basic science are the underpinning of transformational discoveries that rely on Brookhaven’s data-driven research, cutting-edge synchrotron science, and leadership in energy science through real-time study of applicable energy materials in working conditions. As part of the capabilities and science focus of the EPS, the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) is a state-of-the-art medium energy 3 GeV (3-billion-electron-volt) electron storage ring. The facility offers scientific and industrial researchers an array of instruments (beamlines) using x-ray, ultraviolet, and infrared light to enable discoveries in clean and affordable energy, high-temperature superconductivity, molecular electronics, and many more areas.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Physical Science and Research Operations Division (PSROD) of the NSLS-II currently has multiple full-time opportunities for Mechanical Engineers with Project Management experience. The selected candidates will have a background in mechanical engineering or equivalent and will assist the division staff in the execution of beamline development projects for the world-leading NSLS-II facility. This work will include planning and coordinating the design, specification, procurement, and installation of advanced x-ray optics and experimental equipment and serving as a project Control Account Manager (CAM). The role will require excellent interpersonal and communication skills and organizational proficiency to ensure that projects are completed on schedule and within budget. In addition, the selected candidates are expected to undertake and manage some engineering and development tasks through modeling, analysis, creating specifications, arranging fabrication, and procurement, with participation in assembly, tests, installation, and commissioning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Lead Scientist and other scientific staff to jointly propose technical scope, resource requirements, and risk mitigation plans of assigned projects.  
• Maintain close interactions with beamline scientific and technical staff to design and build components of synchrotron beamlines and endstations to support research projects. 
• Coordinate the development of procurement documentation, including Statements of Work (SOW) and technical specifications, and oversee procurement activities.  
• Develop bid documents, evaluate bid proposals, and make contract award recommendations.
• Provide required work control coordination of NSLS-II staff, BNL trades and external contractors during installation phase of the project. 
• Provide technical input and participate in formal project reviews, technical design reviews and required project reporting.
• Develop and maintain costs and schedule using Earned Value Management principles to deliver project scope as defined by the Lead Scientist and approved by the Project Director.
• Manage project change control with concurrence of the Lead Scientist and approval of the Project Director.
• Provide detailed specification, design, analysis, fabrication & procurement coordination, testing, installation, and commissioning of x-ray beamlines components and endstation instrumentation as needed.  
• Prepare engineering calculations, inspection/reports, and QA documents. 
• Provide technical guidance and supervision to project designers and technicians.
• Maintain and implement safety practices and procedures applicable to daily activities.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline and at least three (3) to six (6) years of related experience.
• Experience with project management and/or production-related work.
• Substantial knowledge in mechanical design of complex instrumentation, analysis (including FEA), materials, and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a process-driven environment.

• Solid analytical and reasoning skills and proven ability to develop solutions to complex problems.
• Working-level knowledge and experience with 3D CAD modeling software. 
• Ability to interpret and work from procedures, drawings, user manuals, and verbal instructions.
• Ability to develop complete, accurate, and detailed work packages, specifications, drawings, and other engineering documents. Experience with ordering and tracking materials as well as developing BOMs.
• Effective interpersonal, oral, and communication skills. The ability to work effectively with a varied group of scientists, engineers, and technical staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline with a minimum of seven (7) years of related experience is preferred. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management principles.
• Knowledge of management support software tools such as Primavera or Microsoft Project.
• Familiarity with earned value management project practices.
• Familiarity with DOE ES&H and QA practices.  
• Good understanding of standard production techniques and approaches. 
• Working knowledge and experience in thermal, and structural analysis using ANSYS and 3D modeling with Inventor. 
• Working knowledge of (high/ultra-high) vacuum, cryogenic, and precision motion equipment. 
• Experience with troubleshooting and maintenance of complex technical equipment. 
• Experience working at a synchrotron facility.
• Manual dexterity and experience with hands-on work for both assembly and disassembly of delicate equipment.
• Demonstrated oral communication skills with public speaking experience.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Physical coordination and balances.
• Arm/hand dexterity.
• Vision, good near and normal color.
• Continuous walking/standing/office work.

Other Information:

• Some travel may be required.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $94250 - $140900 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience.  Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

The successful candidate will be hired at the appropriate level commensurate with depth and breadth of experience.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.