Mechanical Engineer

Position Summary
The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Mechanical Engineer works with SDSTA Departments to facilitate design development and integration of new research systems and to support existing lab operations and provides engineering and engineering management related to mechanical systems and design. The Mechanical Engineer works directly with science, engineering and project staff for planning and development of new experiment-related infrastructure and facilities. The Mechanical Engineer works directly with facility operations and maintenance staff to advise on and establish best practices for maintenance and operations of the existing infrastructure including safety critical systems.
Line of Authority
The Mechanical Engineer reports directly to the Director of Engineering.
Functional Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

• Develops concepts for preliminary and detailed engineering design for surface and underground mechanical and industrial systems to support science, engineering research programs and facilities operations.
• Coordinate the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of scientific experimental equipment for government-sponsored research programs and facilities.
• Design engineering of test support equipment and customized tooling (e.g. adapters and fixtures, equipment installation and facility integration, equipment reconfiguration).
• Leads or participates in project planning, design, installation, and integration among engineering and research teams for proposed experiments. This includes all mechanical and industrial subsystems for underground construction and operations.
• Evaluates mechanical components proposed for installation at the facility, either approving or offering recommendations for modifications to obtain approval; includes interaction with outside vendors to source information for effective decision-making.
• Works with SDSTA staff to support the development and execution of operations and maintenance strategies on infrastructure to ensure safe, efficient long-term function.
• Provides support for the evaluation of mechanical and industrial hazards and development of effective controls to mitigate or eliminate these hazards.
• Prepares presentations and other written reports to effectively communicate engineering concepts, analysis and planning to internal and external audiences.
• Provides oversight and coordination for scope definition and contract management of out-sourced A/E consultant services including production of detailed specifications, engineering design, construction drawings, and maintenance documents, and planning functions relating to engineering analysis and studies.
• Performs project and logistics management functions for construction and installation projects to ensure systems are constructed in accordance with plans and specifications; includes developing acquisition strategies for effective project execution.
• Develops detailed cost estimates and project schedules to support effective planning, budget development, and baseline scheduling for science and facility programs.
• Professional peer review of reports, designs, drawings etc. prepared by other staff.
• Uses engineering design and other supporting software to effectively perform the functional responsibilities.

Accountabilities
The Mechanical Engineer has the following accountabilities:

• To the Engineering Director for ensuring sound engineering practices are applied to projects and operations throughout the facility and conveying information regularly to the Engineering Director concerning progress on the Mechanical Engineer responsibilities.
• To follow the guidelines and policies established by the SDSTA relating to contracting practices in the performance of project management duties.

Authorities
The Mechanical Engineer has the following authorities:

• To stop work upon recognition of a condition that presents imminent danger to the safety and health of staff, the public or the environment.

Requirements
Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field is required.

Experience

• A minimum of three years of experience in Mechanical Engineering or related fields. Experience may include design, construction, management, or operations in some of the following areas: 1) Large industrial and manufacturing facilities 2) Underground or surface facilities with relevant technical challenges, 3) federally funded projects 4) industrial systems engineering.
• Sound engineering judgment and evidence of strong communication skills. This includes relevant experience with design, construction, manufacturing, or operation of mechanical and industrial systems including cryogenic flow systems, hydraulic and vacuum pumping systems, HVAC, and related controls and monitoring equipment. Experience with machining and use of industrial tools is desired.
• Experience using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, project management, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) in the performance of functional responsibilities.

Certifications

• South Dakota Professional Engineer (PE) license or commitment to obtain the license within two to four years of hire is preferred.

Competencies

• Adaptability-Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands.
• Attention to Detail-Maintains constant awareness of surroundings and ensures tasks are completed carefully and accurately.
• Communication-Communicates effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form including complex technical topics for all to understand.
• Decision-making-Assesses situations, evaluates options and chooses most appropriate course of action.
• Initiative-Persists despite difficult conditions and makes suggestions for improvements.
• Organization-Prioritizes tasks, manages time, and coordinates numerous activities.
• Safety-Ability to learn, understand and comply with SURF's safety program. Willing to accept and enforce strict safety practices.

Working Requirements

• Proof of a valid driver's license is required.
• Comply with SDSTA's safety program.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA's core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.
• Perform work in a typical office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Perform work in the SURF underground environment at depths up to 5000 feet.
• Perform limited physical labor and light lifting including walking up and down flights of stairs.
• Some travel for conferences, other experiment, and design reviews is required.

Summary of Benefits: https://sanfordlab.org/summary-benefits
The South Dakota Science & Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. Applicants are invited to self- identify as an individual with a disability or as a protected veteran. Forms are available on the website www.sanfordlab.org/careers or upon request from Human Resources.
Salary Description
$104,000.00 - $153,000.00