Senior Mechanical Thermal-Fluids 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:

Fermilab is seeking a Senior Mechanical Thermal-Fluids Engineer to lead the Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group 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, 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 Senior Mechanical Thermal-Fluids Engineer at Fermilab will look like:

• Serve as the Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group leader.
• 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 mechanical design, analysis, specification, and construction of fluid cooling piping systems that support the operation of the accelerator complex, including the temperature control of beamline components (such as magnets, collimators, RF cavities, beam instrumentation, high-powered targets, kickers, and associated beam components).
• Participate in and lead efforts involving general mechanical-system design, thermal-fluid system design, piping system fluid flow analysis, and heat transfer analysis.
• Learn the operations of existing accelerator fluids systems and provide operations engineering support by troubleshooting system issues and designing upgrades to existing systems to improve their reliability.
• Participate in the design of compressible and incompressible thermal fluids systems to support the accelerator.
• Fabricate systems using different types of welding, brazing, bonding, and soldering techniques with materials such as aluminum, stainless steels, copper, brass, PVC, CPVC, PVDF etc. 
• Work in a team environment
• Be responsible for directing the activities of drafters, designers, technicians, and skilled trades on their projects.
• Communicate with outside vendors, contractors, and fabricators through written specifications and engineering drawings.
• 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 in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 8+ years of engineering experience, or a Master’s or PhD in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 6+ years of engineering experience. 

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• 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 perform fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, piping network calculations and engineering mechanics calculations including statics, stress, strain, and deflection. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of machine shop practices and techniques for fabricating complex and intricate hardware.
• Knowledge of welding and brazing practices (e.g., TIG, MIG and torch brazing) as related to manufacturing and fabrication of piping is desirable.
• 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).
• Skills in AFT Fathom, AFT Arrow, ANSYS Workbench, ANSYS Fluent, or ANSYS CFX are desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to create and read mechanical drawings, including piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) and process piping flow schematics.
• Familiarity of CAD software toward the creation of piping fluid flow network systems is a plus.
• Skills in AutoCAD Plant are desirable.
• Use of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing on drawings is desirable. 
• Demonstrated ability to creatively solve engineering problems and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Knowledge of materials, metallurgy and radiation damage of materials is desirable.
• Knowledge of code standards such as ASME, AISC and ANSI/ASME pressure vessel and piping codes is desirable.
• Basic understanding of electrical engineering concepts such as current, voltages, resistance, and frequencies.

Physical Activity and Work Conditions:

• HUMAN FACTORS: Heights, working in underground enclosures, 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.