Sr. Laboratory Engineer
Rochester, NY
Responsibilities
Job Summary:
Oversee the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) gas purification systems that support a fusion research program for the Department of Energy (DOE). Become an expert in the several technologies used to separate and recover a radioactive hydrogen isotope (tritium) from inert gas streams that support LLEs Cryogenic and Tritium Facility. Oversee staff to operate, maintain, repair and upgrade several multi-function, continuously operating gas handling systems. Identify equipment upgrades and improvements and develop new processes and systems to help maintain and grow LLEs fusion science research capabilities. Be part of a twelve-person work group and interact daily to support operations and maintenance. Work with internal engineering groups and external suppliers to design and implement changes to the systems. Identify controls improvements including interlocks and automated process computations. Interact with LLE’s operations and safety organizations to support on-going fusion science experiments and to resolve issues of system availability, performance and safety. Conduct periodic maintenance operations including the regeneration of chemical adsorption beds and use of radioactive sources to calibrate instrumentation. Become a radiation worker and learn how to handle radioactive materials and assess radiation hazards. Become an expert in the operation of devices to measure minute quantities of a radioactive hydrogen isotope (tritium). Interact with the fusion tritium research community by attending conferences and submitting journal articles.
Update and create procedures and P&IDs as necessary. Prepare and deliver reports to management and operations. Be willing to work side by side with operators and technicians where necessary. Document work and observations frequently. Be as comfortable writing a report as turning a wrench.
Support continuously operating systems and be flexible to respond to off-hours events as needed. Typical hours are 8 am to 5pm Monday through Friday but also includes a maximum of two to three 2nd shift (1 – 9 pm) operations per month. Responding to off-hours events, while rare, is required and is time compensated. Use of a cell phone to receive process alarms is required (LLE will provide a cell phone).
Qualifications:
A Bachelors (required) or Master (preferred) degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
5 years’ experience with chemical processing systems on larger than bench scale.
Experience with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
Experience developing and using P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).
Experience operating, installing, calibrating process instruments.
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Strong math skills.
Self-motivated.
A strong problem-solving aptitude.
Strong documentation skills.
An inquisitive mind.
Desired Skills:
Vacuum experience
Radiological experience
Other requirements and soft skills:
Strong adherence to procedures and formality of operations.
Physical capable, able to handle 40lb devices (adsorption beds) for installation.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
How To Apply
All applicants must apply online.
EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Pay Range
Pay Range: $ 68,400 - $102,600 Annually
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Location: Laser Lab & COI
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Opening: Full Time 40 hours Grade 055 LLE-Laboratory for Laser Energ
Schedule: 8 AM-5 PM; OCC 2ND SHIFT 1PM-9PM 2-3 TIMES PER MONTH