Mechanical Engineer

South Dakota Science and Technology Authority•Lead, SD

13d•$122,000 - $149,300•Onsite

About The Position

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Mechanical Engineer provides engineering and engineering management support for mechanical and industrial systems across SDSTA facilities, infrastructure, research programs, and operations. The Mechanical Engineer collaborates with science, engineering, project, operations, and maintenance staff to support the planning, design, development, installation, integration, operation, and maintenance of mechanical systems and infrastructure. Based on organizational needs, Mechanical Engineers may be assigned primary responsibility for specific systems, programs, projects, or technical areas. Assigned responsibilities may vary by position and may change over time based on operational and organizational needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field is required.
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.
Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
Sitting for extended periods of time while using a computer
Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
Dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, and telephones.
Perform occasional physical labor and light lifting up to 20 pounds
Occasional standing, walking, climbing up and down flights of stairs, and otherwise moving around the office to perform tasks
Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

South Dakota Professional Engineers (PE) license or commitment to obtain the license following South Dakota licensing requirements is preferred.
Experience with machining and use of industrial tools is desired.
Experience with program management is highly desired.
Experience with maintenance planning and implementation is preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
When assigned, manage the SDSTA cranes and rigging maintenance, inspection, and certification program. This includes scheduling inspections, reviewing inspection reports and recommendations, coordinating repairs, and supporting certification and return to service.
When assigned, collaborates with engineering, operations, maintenance, and other departments to support project and operational requirements and minimize risks associated with overhead lifting activities.
When assigned, recommends and coordinates appropriate personnel training related to cranes and rigging operation and maintenance.
Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.