Jefferson Lab

Come join our team at Jefferson Lab, where great minds matter

Posting Date: 03/04/2024
Salary Range: $87,700-$138,800(SE II) $113,200-$178,700(SE III)
Work Type: Dedicated On-site (100% working on-site)

What your job will be like:
Working under general supervision, the Mechanical Engineer performs professional level technical work in multi-discipline areas to include: Thermodynamic, Magnet design, Cryogenics, vacuum, PLC controls and other related engineering areas. May perform research and development in physics and engineering disciplines. Work requires the application of theoretical principles and creative /analytical techniques typically acquired in a recognized four-year or more academic course of study. Applies engineering and scientific principles to the evaluation and solution of technical problems involving many phases or sub-tasks of a project or entire projects of moderate complexity. Exercises technical judgement in planning, organizing, performing, coordinating and/or directing engineering work. Performs engineering studies including the planning of projects or subtasks so they may be tracked and presented. Remains abreast of and consults on technical advancements. Identifies and routinely uses the most effective, cost efficient and best practices to execute processes; continually evaluates their effectiveness and appropriateness. A knowledge of 3D CAD models using Siemen's NX and/or other equivalent CAD and FEA software packages such as NX and Ansys will be essential.

In this role you will as a SE II:

  • Perform mechanical and thermal FEA analysis of parts, structures, vessels, vacuum systems and detector assemblies. Static and dynamic FEA, buckling, vibrations and thermal analysis will be required.
  • Complete welding calculations, classification and descriptions
  • Design vacuum systems within the low to high vacuum range and pressure piping (ASME PVC sect VIII both divisions)
  • Complete magnetic design calculations: fields, forces, power, cooling both normal and super-conducting.
  • Develop procedures and plans for testing and installing equipment/processes.
  • Review, proof and sign off on drawings, and writing procedures. Readily accept and incorporate design change and modification as required.
  • Present and defend work/findings at meetings and before review panels.
  • Adherence to latest design/welding/engineering and fabrication standards.
  • Acts to correct discrepancies and resolve technical issues in consultation with peers and senior staff as necessary.
  • Must be available to meet on-call support 24/7 on a rotation basis.

Qualifications we require as a SE II:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Physics
  • 4 years of experience that must include using design software for mechanical components.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of material properties, manufacturing/machine shop processes, welding, hardware & component choice, manufacturing, installation, and dimension and tolerances
  • Demonstrated ability to create accurate and detailed 3D system models and designs
  • Ability to perform mechanical design functions independently with general direction and review with a senior engineer or scientist
  • Knowledge of geometric tolerance and machine shop experience, parts fabrication, inspection and checkout,
  • Working knowledge of parts inspection tools such as calibers, strain gauges, and various other measurement tools.
  • Capable of using Microsoft Office suite programs such as Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.

In this role you will as a SE III:

  • Provide finite element analysis of complex structures in timely manner. As project engineer, coordinate design, engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation of multiple components as required of Hall C experiments. Develop cost and schedule estimates for projects. Knowledge and expertise in structural analysis, ASME code applications, thin windows, lifting and handling plans, welding specifications, heat transfer and fluid analysis. Serve as design authority for pressure vessels and pressure systems. Document and present work effectively to collaborations and review committees. Knowledge of drawing and drafting principles to provide guidance and review for designers.
  • Provide engineering support and troubleshooting of Hall C Cryogenic operations, Hall C PLC based control system of the SHMS, HMS magnets and spectrometer rotation
  • Assist the scientific staff and the user community on technical matters relating to the design and safe use of Hall equipment
  • Assist with the training and mentoring of junior engineers, designers and technicians in support of Hall operations as required
  • May assume leadership of the Hall C engineering group as deputy during an absence of the Hall C lead engineer
  • Provide technical plans, procedures and cost/manpower estimates for equipment, installation, decommissioning and

Qualifications we require as a SE III:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Physics
  • 10 years experience with superconducting magnets, cryogenics,Vacuum systems,High pressure systems, PLC controls, testing and commissioning of large complex systems, Low voltage DC power systems for magnets.

Qualifications we prefer:

  • Master's Degree in related field

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to read, understand and correct CAD drawings or models of equipment or parts
  • Ability to give effective presentations to critical/high level customers and effectively represent work group on review panels and cross-organizational teams
  • Demonstrated ability to write convincing proposals and reports with all necessary backup material for external consumption
  • Broad knowledge of solutions to mechanical, magnetic and cryogenic challenges in large scale equipment used
  • Ability to follow through design, procurement, fabrication and testing of equipment or parts

About Jefferson Lab

Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.

A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of “big science” and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by Jefferson Science Associates, LLC; Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.

Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab

At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave)
  • 401(k) Plan – 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested
  • Flexible Work Arrangements (Hybrid & Alternate Work Schedules available)
  • Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
  • Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches, mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast

Jefferson Science Associates, LLC (JSA) manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). JSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. As part of the JSA’s equal employment opportunity policy, we also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.

JSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). Ifyou need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting @jlab.org or contact Human Resources by calling (757) 269-7100 and selecting option 1 between 8 am –5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.

Employment with JSA is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.