RO Water Systems Specialist – Research Facility

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research is seeking a Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Systems Specialist to operate, maintain, and optimize high-purity water systems supporting laboratory and research activities.

You will monitor performance, perform routine maintenance, and ensure compliance with GLP, GMP, and related standards while collaborating with scientists and facilities teams. This role requires strong troubleshooting, data logging, and documentation skills.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent; U.S. equivalency for foreign degrees.
• Minimum of five years of related experience.
• Experience with RO or high-purity water systems.
• Knowledge of water quality parameters and testing methods.
• Ability to read technical diagrams and schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with data logging systems.
• Experience in research labs, pharma, biotech, or government facilities.
• Familiarity with IQ/OQ/PQ validation and documentation.
• Knowledge of automated control systems (PLC/SCADA).

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain RO and water purification systems.
• Ensure continuous supply of high-purity water for lab use.
• Perform routine maintenance including membrane cleaning and sanitization.
• Monitor system metrics (pressure, flow, conductivity, TOC) and adjust.
• Conduct water quality testing per standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues to minimize downtime.
• Maintain logs and calibration records.
• Collaborate with lab personnel and facilities teams.
• Assist with system upgrades, validation, and commissioning.

Skills

RO water systems

High-purity water systems

Troubleshooting

Data logging

Analytical testing

Schematic interpretation

PLC/SCADA knowledge

Collaborative research support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PLC/SCADA

Job description

Job ID: req4681

Employee Type: nonexempt full-time

Division: Facilities, Maintenance & Engineering

Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick

Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

Program Description

The Facilities Maintenance and Engineering (FME) Directorate is responsible for laboratory space, administrative space, infrastructure, campus landscape, planning and design, and construction management at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research.

Key Roles And Responsibilities

The Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Systems Specialist is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of high-purity water systems that support laboratory and research activities. This role ensures the consistent production of pure water that meets stringent quality standards for required scientific applications.

• Operate, monitor, and maintain RO and associated water purification systems (e.g., DI, EDI, UV, filtration units).
• Ensure a continuous supply of high-purity water (Type I, II, or III) for laboratory use
• Perform routine maintenance, including membrane cleaning/replacement, filter changes, and system sanitization.
• Monitor system performance metrics (pressure, flow rates, conductivity, resistivity, TOC) and adjust as needed.
• Conduct and document water quality testing in accordance with research and regulatory standards
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues to minimize downtime and prevent disruption.
• Maintain detailed logs, calibration records, and compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with laboratory personnel, engineers, and facilities teams to support research needs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards (e.g., ASTM, CLSI, CAP, GLP, GMP, as applicable).
• Assist with system upgrades, validation, and commissioning activities.

Basic Qualifications

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of related experience is required.
• Previous experience with RO or high-purity waster systems.
• Knowledge of water quality parameters and analytical testing methods.
• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams and system schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with data logging systems and standard computer applications.
• Experience providing support within research laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or government facility environments.
• Familiarity with validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and documentation practices.
• Knowledge of automated control systems (PLC/SCADA).
• Physical and Environmental Requirements: Ability to routinely lift and carry up to 50 pounds; climb stairs and ladders; bend, stoop, and work in confined spaces. Work may involve exposure to airborne particulates, vapors, and elevated noise levels.
• Must have and maintain a valid State Driver's License issued by the state in which the candidate resides. Must have no more than three (3) demerit points in the previous twelve (12) months or five (5) demerit points in the preceding thirty‑six (36) months as determined by the Leidos Biomed Use of Government Owned or Leased Vehicles Policy.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in water treatment operations.

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working in or have the potential to exposure to high noise levels for extended periods of time required medical clearance.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

59,600.00 - 87,633.00 USD

The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data.

The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions.