General Engineer (Cyclotron)

National Institutes of Health; Maryland; On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institutes of Health in Maryland seeks a General Engineer (Cyclotron) to provide engineering support for GE PETtrace cyclotron systems and their subsystems, including electrical, electronic, mechanical, and control components.

This role involves operating production runs, performing preventative maintenance, and implementing enhancements to improve reliability and automation for time-sensitive clinical protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience operating and maintaining cyclotron subsystems.
• Ability to diagnose electrical/electronic/mechanical issues in complex systems.
• Knowledge of NRC/FDA/cGMP regulations and radiation safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain integrated cyclotron subsystems.
• Serve as senior consultant on cyclotron theory and targetry.
• Develop enhancements to improve reliability, performance, and automation.
• Ensure compliance with NRC, FDA, and cGMP regulations.
• Mentor staff and interns.

Skills

Cyclotron theory

Radioisotope processing

Embedded control systems

PLCs

RF/high-voltage circuits

Regulatory compliance

Target fabrication design

Mentorship

Tools

GE PETtrace 800-series

Job description

This position is located in the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Department which operates cyclotrons, hot cells, a cGMP manufacturing facility, and PET imaging scanners to support intramural clinical research. In this position, you will serve as a General Engineer (Cyclotron) responsible for providing engineering support for cyclotron particle accelerators and the full range of their integrated subsystems which are comprised of electrical, electronic, mechanical and computer/control systems.

Duties

At the full performance GS-13 grade level, you will perform the following duties: Operate, manage, maintain, repair, and develop innovative enhancements to integrated cyclotron subsystems. Serve as senior consultant to scientific professionals on cyclotron theory and targetry. Serve as subject matter expert for the design and fabrication of custom electronic control/monitoring equipment and systems, radiation-tolerant component substitutions, radioisotope processing systems, and target and transfer systems. Diagnose and troubleshoot highly complex electrical, electronic, mechanical, programmable logic controllers (PLC) and embedded control accelerator malfunctions in cyclotron and related systems at the system, module, and component levels and their associated subsystems which include: Radiofrequency (RF) and high-voltage circuits, magnet power and beam transport systems, electronic control and monitoring equipment, instrumentation; Vacuum systems, beam-transport hardware, mechanical target assemblies, radioisotope processing systems; and PLCs, embedded control logic, electronic control and monitoring systems. Develop novel solutions for (1) unique engineering problems when troubleshooting procedures, precedents, manufacturer support, or applicable technical documentation are unavailable; (2) mechanical components and radioisotope processing systems; and (3) control and monitoring capabilities used in cyclotron operation and radioisotope production. Direct and operate cyclotron production runs, often requiring early morning shifts (pre-6:00 AM). Manage all preventative and corrective maintenance on GE PETtrace 800-series systems, electrical, electronic, and mechanical accelerator systems and computerized and embedded accelerator controls, ensuring the reliable production of radioisotopes for time-critical clinical protocols. Lead equipment upgrades intended to improve system reliability, performance, radioisotope production, automation, monitoring, and efficiency. Ensure strict adherence to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and NIH Safety Branch regulations. Develops cGMP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Manage radiation safety protocols, including shielding evaluations and ALARA practices in high-hazard environments. Provides project mentorship and technical guidance to staff and summer interns (SIP). If selected at the GS-12 grade level, you will essentially perform the same duties as those described above; however, duties will be less complex and will be performed with more detailed guidance.