Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate II, Nuclear Engineering Teaching Lab in Cockrell School of Enginnering

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory is seeking a Research Engineering/Scientist Associate II to support the reactor supervisor and assist with the design, assembly, and operation of laboratory equipment for nuclear science experiments.

Based at the Pickle Research Campus, this exempt, full-time role requires a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with related experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to qualify as a reactor operator within a year.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with related experience.
• Must be able to qualify as reactor operator within 1 year and pass NRC background checks.
• Ability to work independently or in a team with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Obtains and maintains an NRC reactor operator license and supports reactor operations.
• Operate overhead crane and platform.
• Perform maintenance on mechanical systems and instrumentation associated with the reactor.
• Assist in design, fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, operation, and repair of instrumentation and control systems.
• Support experiments and reactor-related activities.
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Skills

Time management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences and two years of related experience

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Mathcad

Fusion 360

SOLIDWORKS

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate II, Nuclear Engineering Teaching Lab in Cockrell School of Enginnering

Hiring Department:

Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory

Position Open To:

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

Location:

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details:

General Notes

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin — named “America’s Coolest City” by Expedia and “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report — the Cockrell School embodies the city’s innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders. UT Austin, recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers, provides outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages that include:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin’s libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

Purpose

The Research Engineering/Scientist Assocaite II (RESA II) supports the reactor supervisor in the maintenance and operation of mechanical systems and reactor control and safety systems associated with UT TRIGA nuclear reactor and provide engineering and technician support to research staff and faculty for assembly and operation of laboratory equipment for nuclear science and engineering experiments.

Responsibilities

• Obtains and maintains an NRC reactor operator license supervising the safe and secure operation of the UT TRIGA reactor and supporting the overall NETL reactor operations team.
• Operate overhead crane and overhead platform.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance procedures on mechanical systems and the digital and analog instrumentation associated with the nuclear reactor.
• Assist in the design and fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, operation, and repair of digital and analog instrumentation and control systems equipment associated with experiments.
• Perform duties associated with the conduct and operation of various experiments at the UT TRIGA nuclear reactor.
• Support operations associated with a research reactor
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences OR
• Bachelors degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences and two (2) years of experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize own work under dynamic circumstances.
• Be able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to qualify as reactor operator within 1 year of hire

Due to licensing requirements, the below are required:

• Applicant must pass an in-depth background check through the Nuclear Regulartory Commission (NRC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Applicant must pass review for access to export-controlled software and be able to work with experiments that have export control requirements
• Applicant must meet requirements for a nuclear reactor operator license

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a science related field.
• More than two (2) years of experience in a related field.
• Experience working with nuclear detector systems and spectroscopy software for radiation measurement and nuclide identification.
• Experience using LabView, Mathcad, MATLAB, Fusion 360, or SOLIDWORKS.
• Experience in repair and maintenance of analog and digital electronic controllers and systems.
• Experience in handling radioactive and hazardous materials.
• Previous training or education in the fundamentals of nuclear reactor theory and operations.
• Previous qualification as Reactor Operator and ability to qualify as a Senior Reactor Operator.

Salary Range

$50,000+ commensurate with experience

Working Conditions

• Work with live circuits, high and low voltage
• Occasional work with hazardous materials (chemical, cryogenics, compressed gas, and radioactive materials)
• Work in a laboratory environment
• May be required on rare occasions to work evenings and weekends during critical times

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English)
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish)

Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.