R&D Test Engineer - Power Systems

What you'll do:

• Own and retire technical risks by designing, analyzing, procuring, building, and commissioning test equipment utilizing your knowledge of physics, structures, instrumentation and controls, mechanical and electrical systems
• Mechanical design and build of specialized electrical equipment to support magnet testing
• Develop test plans that effectively retire technical risks. Plans include appropriate instrumentation and controls necessary to obtain repeatable and reliable data
• Understand, challenge and maintain well-documented requirements and risks for the system or component under test. Documentation includes: design reviews, wiring lists, P&IDs, schematics, CAD assemblies, drawings, and operations software
• Identify and mitigate safety hazards associated with test equipment and test plans
• Design safety into the system and produce safety documentation such as job hazard assessments and test readiness reviews
• Design experiment campaigns that match our fast pace and work hard to maintain the proposed schedule
• Troubleshoot and resolve integration and test discrepancies during build, commissioning and operation
• Support end users with troubleshooting and upgrades once the test stand is handed over
• Iterate on designs, equipment and operations for repeat tests to improve test efficiency
• Create physics/mechanical models to predict results. Develop custom tools to analyze generated data.
• Compile test results clearly for review
• Lead anomaly investigations and their resolution (root cause analysis), and present results to a team of physicists and engineers
• Execute plans for future expansion, including capital equipment and floor layouts, always having a vision for scalability of systems into a larger context.
• Provide visions for multi-use test infrastructure that can be scaled for multiple applications

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science field is required; mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or similar applied physics degree
• 5+ years experience designing/building/commissioning electrical equipment with hands on experience and a proven ability to deliver reliable data
• 5+ years using CAD software (NX is a plus) to design complex assemblies, producing drawings for procurement, GD&T and tolerance stack-ups
• 5+ years experience with analysis of mechanical components (Finite Element Analysis), strength of materials and failure criteria
• Excellent troubleshooting/problem-solving skills with an ability to innovate creative solutions to challenging problems
• The ability to effectively communicate technical topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• The ability to challenge requirements and defend results when needed, as well as the ability to accept feedback and apply it readily
• Proven collaboration skills including active listening and facilitating a productive discourse on problems
• A solid grasp of basic mechanical engineering concepts such as fasteners design, welds and bolted joints
• A solid grasp of electromagnetic fundamentals – voltage, current, resistance, Ohm’s Law, AC/DC, right-hand rule, solenoids, etc.
• Familiarity with superconducting magnets (Lorentz loads, magnet design, conductor design)
• Proactive with a focus on improving efficiency and throughput of processes
• High self-motivation and drive to execute quickly. A can-do attitude and an eagerness to learn
• Experience with designing and commissioning new test facilities
• Experience with developing and executing complex test procedures, in particular tests that include multiple skill sets, different testing phases, and 3rd parties
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/overtime for testing

Bonus points for:

• Experience with structural FEA software, especially ANSYS and COMSOL
• Experience using NX and Teamcenter
• Experience with high field magnet testing traditional or superconducting
• Experience with designing fluid systems – P&IDs, component selection, ASME design codes.
• Experience with cryogenic equipment design and use for liquid nitrogen and supercritical helium use – vacuum jacketed equipment, cryocoolers, phase separators, cold traps
• Experience with high vacuum equipment design and use – roughing pumps, turbopumps, ion gauges, residual gas analyzers
• Experience with high voltage and high current power equipment design and use – power supplies, water cooled cables, insulation

Must-have requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as typing, stooping, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics