Working/Functional Title
Testing 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:
Intermediate-level position designing innovative technical devices by creating test plans and developing fixtures to support heavy-ion accelerator development and operation.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Develop manufacturing and assembly processes and routers in support of internal testing activities, including standard operating procedures and processes for testing accelerator hardware and sub-assemblies [20%]
- Provide hands-on support for fabrication, assembly, and commissioning of technical test equipment including setup, data logging, analysis, procedures and work instructions to meet testing and safety requirements [20%]
- Design comprehensive test strategies, procedures, and objectives based on product and system owner requirements
- Execute tests or tune physical experiments—such as pressurizing systems, vibration testing, or load cycling—to push hardware to its limit
- Analyze data and troubleshoot and review test metrics and failure data to identify root causes of malfunctions or structural weaknesses
- Document test results in detailed reports and work closely with stakeholders, system owners, and engineering teams
- Produce system-level models and 2-D and 3-D drawings to support the engineering design of development and testing devices (includes the extensive use of GD&T) [15%]
- Analyze, produce, and document recorded test data and present to stakeholders [15%]
- Present test plans, fixture designs, and solutions to stakeholders and convene reviews to obtain stakeholder feedback and endorsement [10%]
- Interact with project leader and subject matter experts to transform technical requirements into design solutions [5%]
- Assist project leader and subject matter experts in reviewing design layouts, budgets, project documentation, construction, testing, modification of hardware and software and/or the installation of sub-systems [5%]
- Provide technical direction to support staff and students [5%]
- Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification [5%]
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Mechanical Engineering and Product Validation Expertise – knowledge and understanding of engineering, testing, and validation practices, and sound judgment regarding their implementation to contribute to organizational performance and success
- Communication – the ability to effectively articulate and exchange information with stakeholders at all levels—internal and external
- Service Focus – the ability to identify and meet appropriate client expectations by offering high-quality services and solutions tailored to diverse client and stakeholder needs
- Analytical Skills – the ability to create, develop, analyze, and promulgate technical and/or technological implications of a mechanical engineering action
- Collaboration & Teamwork – the ability to work effectively with others
- Continuous Learning – the ability to maintain continuous learning and improvement
- Ethical Practice – the ability to support and uphold the values of the organization while balancing and mitigating risk
- Critical Evaluation – the ability to create, develop, analyze, summarize, and present information to make technical decisions
- Proficiency with Zoom, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and Word
- Proficiency with CAD/CAE and PDM systems
- Proficiency with LabView
- Create FFT code to perform vibrational power spectral density in real time and vibrational analysis
- Extensive understanding of system modal analysis
- Understanding of low voltage AC and DC circuits
- Understanding of mechanical testing and validation procedures
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.
- Demonstrated experience creating FFT code to perform real-time vibrational power spectral density and vibrational analysis.
- Demonstrated understanding of system modal analysis.
Desired Qualifications
- Mechanical Engineering degree
- Experience with system-level detailing and checking mechanical drawings for production
- Experience with CAD/CAE and PDM systems
- Experience with Zoom and Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and Word
- Experience with the design, production, fabrication, assembly, implementation, installation, and operations setup of sophisticated research equipment
- Experience with validation testing
- Experience with industry standard data logging hardware and software
- Experience with industry standard PLC software and ladder logic
- Experience with low volage AC and DC circuits
- Ability to work with export-controlled materials
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