Senior Water Systems Engineer FRIB Utilities Lead

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s FRIB Laboratory seeks a Lead Water System Engineer III to oversee operation, maintenance, and improvement of cooling water and process utility systems supporting accelerator operations.

Responsibilities include technical leadership, system design and modification, reliability analysis, and project oversight for major utility infrastructure, with emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Five to eight years of professional experience supporting the design, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, commissioning, or reliability improvement of industrial water systems, process utility systems, cooling water systems, power generation systems, chemical processing systems, or similar utility infrastructure.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the system owner and subject matter expert for FRIB's cooling water, water treatment, hydrogen recombination, and associated process utility systems. Provide technical leadership for system operation, maintenance, reliability improvement, and lifecycle management.
• Lead troubleshooting and failure analysis activities involving pumps, valves, heat exchangers, piping systems, instrumentation, control systems, and water treatment equipment. Develop and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and performance.
• Design and develop modifications, upgrades, and new installations for cooling water, process piping, and utility systems. Perform engineering calculations, equipment sizing, hydraulic analyses, and technical reviews.
• Perform advanced engineering analysis of fluid flow, heat transfer, thermal performance, hydraulic systems, and system capacity to support operations and future facility needs.
• Direct and review maintenance, repair, testing, and commissioning activities for major utility system equipment. Ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable engineering standards, operational requirements, and safety practices.
• Provide engineering support for facility projects involving cooling water systems, process utilities, and related infrastructure. Develop technical specifications, evaluate vendor proposals, and oversee contractor activities.
• Develop and maintain operating procedures, maintenance procedures, emergency response plans, system documentation, and personnel training materials.
• Conduct equipment performance assessments and trending analysis to identify degradation, improve system reliability, and support predictive maintenance activities.
• Support budget planning, capital improvement initiatives, spare parts strategies, and long‑term asset management for NCU systems.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of this position.

Job description

Michigan State University’s FRIB Laboratory seeks a Lead Water System Engineer III to oversee operation, maintenance, and improvement of cooling water and process utility systems supporting accelerator operations.

Responsibilities include technical leadership, system design and modification, reliability analysis, and project oversight for major utility infrastructure, with emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.