Operations Coordinator

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University FRIB Laboratory is seeking a Machine Shop Scheduling and Materials Coordinator to optimize work orders, manage materials and resources, and ensure integration of fabrication activities with project schedules. The role emphasizes accurate timing, cost control, and quality in a high-precision, research-focused environment.

You will collaborate with engineering, procurement, and operations to support complex assemblies and maintain traceability throughout production, while

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:

The Machine Shop Scheduling and Materials Coordinator will be responsible for assessing and implementing the work order schedule to ensure the project scope is delivered on schedule and within budget, with exemplary quality and safety. The Machine Shop Scheduling and Materials Coordinator will also support fabrication process, assemble, and maintain precise, complex parts, components, and technical equipment.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Production Planning, Scheduling, and Performance Monitoring
  Plans and coordinates work requests and supports work orders through MRP systems; supports labor, and resource requirements; and monitors, analyzes, and reports on schedule performance to ensure alignment with project timelines.
• Technical Fabrication, Assembly, and Process Guidance
  Provides guidance on design feasibility, material selection, specifications, and fabrication/assembly sequencing; fabricated details, assembles, and maintains complex components and technical equipment to precise standards based on blueprints and instructions.
• Materials Coordination and Resource Management
  Coordinates with procurement to secure raw materials and required resources; tracks and maintains inventory locations; and ensures proper material control and traceability throughout the production process.
• Performs otherduties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skill in planning, prioritizing, and coordinating multiple work orders to meet production deadlines.
• Knowledge of production planning and scheduling methodologies, including MRP/ERP systems and workflow coordination.
• Understanding of estimated labor, time, and resource requirements for production activities.
• Skill in managing inventory systems and coordinating materials and resources effectively.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate production schedules for material needs in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to collaborate across functional areas (engineering, procurement, operations) to support project goals.
• Knowledge of materials management principles, including inventory control, traceability, and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of quality assurance standards and performance monitoring metrics in a manufacturing or technical environment.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites
• Knowledge and understanding of procurement processes
• Skilled with Adobe Creative Suite and content editing
• Ability to support or operate scheduling software (Trello)

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the first two or three years of college, such as an Associate’s degree in a business-related field or in a field related to the area of employment; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in performing tasks related to the area of employment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• One to three years of experience with manufacturing processes.

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 October 6, 2026 at 11:55 PM

Advertised: Sep 30, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 13, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time