Lead Mechanical Engineer (Multiple Openings)

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Engineering Division has an opening for Lead Mechanical Engineer (Multiple Openings) to join the team.

The Lead Mechanical Engineer position supports CMB-S4, a next generation cosmic microwave background experiment, in the LBNL Physics Division. Applicants must have a proven record of accomplishment of successfully developing or managing scientific engineering projects. Senior as well as mid-career level positions are available. The successful applicants will be hired into the LBNL engineering division and matrixed to the LBNL physics division. CMB-S4 is a combined National Science Foundation/Department of Energy (NSF/DOE) project to build more than 20 radio telescopes at the South Pole and in Chile incorporating highly sensitive superconducting cameras with sub-Kelvin detectors. CMB-S4 (www.cmb-s4.org) is designed to examine the inflationary model of our universe and will determine fundamental cosmic parameters, e.g. masses of neutrinos, the nature of dark energy, and general relativity on large scale. You will be part of a dedicated project team developing telescopes which will enable dramatic leaps forward in our understanding of the fundamental nature of space and time and the evolution of the universe.

In this exciting role, you will lead small to medium-size engineering teams (with possible line management responsibilities) and will be responsible for detail planning and execution of CMB-S4 telescope and cryostat construction. As a key member of a large and distributed collaboration you will be expected to effectively interact with and potentially manage personnel at other institutions. You will develop technical design documents, detail-engineering schedules and cost estimates and might have project management responsibilities as a Control Account Manager. A strong engineering background in fields related to telescope or vacuum cryostat designs and related systems engineering is desired.

What you will do

• Lead a cross-functional and geographically dispersed project team including engineers and scientists, manage the day-to-day operation, and serve as the primary engineering point of contact for the telescope subsystem.
• Lead engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, assembly, validation, verification, characterization, installation, and commissioning efforts.
• Manage and direct the technical integration of subsystems. Develop, identify, and manage requirements, interfaces, and risks.
• Work closely with project procurement teams on acquisition planning and effective execution of procurements.
• Create and implement project plans and oversee their successful execution.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and financial forecasts.
• Apply project management best practices in the development, initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & controlling, and closing of projects.
• Manage and report on budget and schedule, including earned value management systems (EVMS) management.
• Clearly communicate project status, issues, and successes to project teams and senior management.
• Coordinate presentations at meetings of appropriate committees. Oversee preparations for reviews; organize technical reviews.
• Report at regular team meetings, advisory committee meetings, and other venues.
• Coordinate with EHS and management on work safety and ensure that work performed by the teams follow safe work practices.
• Recruit, hire, organize, and manage staff.
• Manage space, equipment, and facilities utilized for the construction effort.
• Represent the Laboratory to the outside world in engineering through, for example, participation in design reviews, workshops, and conferences.
• Author or contribute to conference presentations and publications.

What is required

• Advanced degree in physics or mechanical engineering or related field or overall equivalent experience. 8–10 years of relevant experience or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Experience leading and overseeing scientific construction projects.
• Demonstrated project management experience, preferably including DOE Order 413.3.
• Well versed in CAD and other engineering tools.

Desired qualifications

• PhD in engineering or physics and extensive experience with scientific construction projects.

Notes

• This is a full-time, two-year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Berkeley Lab. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates for our faculty positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: “Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law.”

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.