Radio Frequency Engineer II — Engineering/Physicist Accelerator II

Working/Functional Title

Radio Frequency Engineer II

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 Radio Frequency Engineer II provides electrical engineering designs, documentation, installation assistance, analysis, and maintenance support to the laboratory for assigned RF systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Support operations and schedule or perform preventive maintenance, repair and parts management for assigned equipment 
• Design, documentation, fabrication and installation of RF systems associated with the FRIB, K500 projects and future upgrades, with goal of improving overall performance and efficiency 
• Perform in-house calibration for electronic test equipment, and support external calibrations through third-party suppliers 
• Maintain consistent accurate records of maintenance tasks and results and indicate areas of improvement 
• Maintain electronic documentation and ensure that documents are available, up-to-date and complete for all assigned equipment 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Experienced with high-power RF amplifiers and power supplies, including associated CS-Studio and programming tools
• Experience with RF circuits and related test equipment (network analyzers, signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret schematics to perform repairs and/or modifications
• Advanced troubleshooting skills to find issues in circuits, electronics, and RF systems
• Calibration of electronics test equipment (in-house and external services)
• 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 Engineering or Physics; three to five years of progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in fabrication techniques, cryogenic systems, electronics, mechanical and electronic drafting and computer systems; 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. 

• Ability to work with export-controlled technologies
• Frequent lifting of 26 pounds or more is required

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with RF circuits and related test equipment (network analyzers, signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.)
• Experience with high-power RF amplifiers and power supplies
• Knowledgeable with design tools such as ANSYS Electronics/HFSS, SPICE, Matlab, etc.
• An understanding of PLC-based systems
• Experience with schematic and layout tools (Altium preferred)
• Experience managing designs in a formal environment
• Good negotiating and communication skills

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 November 17, 2026, 11:55 PM