Mechanical Engineer

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:

The Fermilab Accelerator Division Mechanical Support Department is seeking a Mechanical Engineer who is a collaborator by nature and who seeks out the latest technology and tools to design, fabricate, test, install and operate components and systems for our particle accelerators. We use the latest technology such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Siemens NX, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) to model, simulate, prototype, and test our designs. We work with vendors who stretch their technical abilities to fabricate the next generation of components and systems. We expand our engineering skills, and sometimes write the textbooks, in order to operate the existing accelerators. We work with collaborators throughout the lab and the world to plan future accelerators for projects such as the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II).

What your day-to-day as a Mechanical Engineer at Fermilab will look like:

• Utilize fundamental mechanical engineering concepts and principles to complete assignments and develop familiarization with the Laboratory's method of project engineering, from the design stage through review, procurement, fabrication, installation, test and operation.
• Be involved in the planning, implementation, and documentation of the installation of upgrades and repairs to the mechanical and vacuum systems that support the accelerator by working with machine stakeholders, scientists, engineers, drafter/designers and technicians.
• Be involved in the mechanical design, analysis, fabrication/construction, and installation of devices and equipment for the accelerator complex including beamline elements (such as, collimators and beam instrumentation), remote positioning devices, support structures, and vacuum systems.
• Participate in and lead efforts involving general mechanical-system design, mechanical stress analysis, and thermal analysis.
• Design and plan the lifting/rigging of heavy components which will involve material handling equipment and techniques
• Be responsible for directing the activities of drafters/designers, and technicians on their projects
• Direct the activities of co-op engineering students and interns on their projects.
• Abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• Bachelor's or Master's of Science Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET accredited institution. Should include successful completion of coursework in mechanics of materials, machine design, heat transfer, fluids and thermodynamics.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Minimum Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 4+ years of engineering experience, or a Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 2+ years of engineering experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate expectations clearly using verbal and written practices with customers / stakeholders and with team members
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under the requirements of schedules and shifting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to design, fabricate and install structural systems to support loads greater than 100-pounds
• Demonstrated ability to perform engineering mechanics calculations including statics, stress, and deflection
• Demonstrated ability to create and read mechanical drawings
• Demonstrated knowledge of machine shop practices and techniques for fabricating complex and intricate hardware
• Must have strong computing skills including preparing and documenting engineering calculations, creating 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD software, FEA analyses, data presentation, and project management activities (cost estimates, schedules)
• Demonstrated ability to creatively solve engineering problems and troubleshoot operational issues
• Experience with design, assembly and operation of high and ultra-high vacuum systems is desirable
• Knowledge of welding and brazing practices (e.g. TIG, MIG, electron beam welding, oven brazing) as related to manufacturing and fabrication of structures is desirable
• Knowledge of materials, metallurgy and radiation damage of materials is desirable
• Knowledge in the design and planning of lifting/rigging of heavy components which involve material handling of equipment and techniques is desirable
• Use of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing on drawings and ability to understand and read P&IDs is desirable
• Skills in ANSYS or NASTRAN is desirable
• Experience in specifying, designing, fabrication, and operations of robotics systems is desirable
• Experience in applying Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) technology to design is desirable
• Experience with piping network, piping flexibility, heat transfer, and pressure calculations is desirable

Physical Activity and Work Conditions

HUMAN FACTORS: Heights, mental concentration, sitting, standing, tight work schedule, visually demanding.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

What To Expect Next:
We'll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.