Engineering/Physicist Accelerator I

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University FRIB Laboratory is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineering professional to design innovative devices for heavy-ion accelerator development. The role emphasizes CAD design, drawing generation, and hands-on support for fabrication and commissioning.

Ideal candidates have solid CAD skills (SolidWorks), familiarity with GD&T, and the ability to collaborate across teams. On-site work is required, with standard 8-5 hours and a focus on continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Physics or closely related field.
• 1-3 years of related experience in electronics, mechanical drafting, fabrication techniques, or programming in FRIB-relevant languages.

Responsibilities

• Produce and document design solutions with concepts and CAD details.
• Create 2-D and 3-D drawings and models from designers and engineers to generate detailed drawings (GD&T).
• Support fabrication, assembly, and commissioning of equipment.
• Assist project leaders and SMEs in transforming requirements into design solutions.
• Review design layouts, budgets, and documentation for construction and testing.
• Perform other duties within the scope of the job classification.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Communication

SolidWorks

PDM

MS Office

Teamwork

Continuous learning

Ethical practice

Analytical skills

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM

MS Office

Job description

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:

Entry-level position designing innovative technical devices supporting heavy-ion accelerator development and operation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Produce and document effective design solutions by developing concepts and creating CAD designs/details.
• Use 2-D and 3-D drawings and models produced by designers and engineers in order to create detailed drawings (includes the extensive use of GD&T).
• Provide support for fabrication, assembly, and commissioning of technical equipment.
• Assists with the project leader and subject matter experts to transform technical requirements into design solutions.
• Assist project leader and subject matter experts in reviewing design layouts, budgets, project documentation for construction, testing, modification of hardware and software, and/or the installation of sub-systems.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Mechanical Engineering Expertise –knowledge and understanding of practices of engineering, and sound judgment regarding their implementation to contribute to organizational performance and success.
• Communication – effectively articulating and exchanging 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 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 Solidworks and PDM software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.
• Demonstrates proactive communication by asking questions when clarification is needed and keeping team members informed of progress, issues, and changes.
• Highly self‑motivated with a strong desire to continuously learn. Able to independently acquire the technical knowledge necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet project deadlines, and provide clear, timely status updates to supervisors and project stakeholders.

Must be available to work 100% on-site; remote or hybrid work isnot available for this role.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or closely related field. One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in electronics, mechanical and/or electrical drafting and fabrication techniques, or computer programming in one or more languages used by the FRIB; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• One year of experience with CAD/CAE
• One year of experience with SolidWorks
• Experience in the design and fabrication of sophisticated research equipment
• Work experience in fabrication techniques, cryogenic systems, electronics, mechanical and electronic drafting, and computer systems
• 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 detailed cover letter and a resume.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

frib.msu.edu

Bidding eligibility ends September 15, 2026, 11:55 PM