Jefferson Lab

Come join our team at Jefferson Lab, where great minds matter.

Posting Date: 11/11/2024
Salary Range: $87,700 - $138,800 (SEII)
Work Location Type: Flexible On-Site

What your job will be like:
As a member of the Accelerator Division's SRF Operations Department, the Cleanroom Process Engineer will provide technical expertise to develop, define and improve clean assembly practices and related advanced superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavity surface treatment and cleaning techniques to maximize the performance reach of SRF cavities and cryomodules through minimized risk of surface contamination. The incumbent may perform research and development in engineering disciplines. The work requires the application of theoretical principles and creative/analytical techniques typically acquired in a recognized four-year or more academic course of study. The Cleanroom Process Engineer will transfer and incorporate proven, optimized methods into the cleanroom and surface treatment production groups through hands-on participation in production processes and direct training of technical staff.

All of these applications will be in direct support of ongoing operations of the accelerators at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF) with the focus to improve SRF cavity and cryomodule performance through application of advanced assembly and treatment methods. The immediate primary focus will be associated with including the development and application of processes and methods, such as e.g. plasma-based material processing, which are aimed at reducing field emission in operating cryomodules.

In this role you will:

  • Apply engineering and scientific principles to the evaluation and solution of technical problems involving many phases or sub-tasks of a project or entire projects of moderate complexity.
  • Exercise technical judgement in planning, organizing, performing, coordinating and/or directing engineering work.
  • Identify and routinely use the most effective, cost efficient and best practices to execute processes; continually evaluate their effectiveness and appropriateness.
  • Develop, plan and implement projects, subtasks, and quality control systems so they may be tracked and presented.
  • Collect, analyze, and report on project data to interpret process implementations and results of studies.
  • Conduct studies to develop and design new chemical and cleaning methods to reduce and eliminate contamination in SRF cavities.
  • Develop detailed specifications and quality control documentation for cavity processes.
  • Review operations, troubleshoot production or processing problems, identify solutions to improve quality, and confer with technical or administrative staff to resolve problems.
  • Assist in the design and fabrication of production tooling and fixtures.

Qualifications We Require

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering or physics from an accredited university.

    Experience

    • 4 years of Relevant Experience. Additional Education may be substituted.
    • Direct experience in working in a cleanroom
    • Direct experience in performing clean assemblies on SRF cavities
    • Demonstrated track record of successful completion of projects

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

    • Knowledgeable of high purity cleaning and surface preparation techniques with the ability to apply to SRF production processes
    • Knowledgeable in the development, design and application of materials surface treatment processes
    • Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate activities and resources in a manufacturing environment in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications
    • Able to communicate effectively the results and challenges of on-going projects to fellow staff and management in both oral and written form
    • Ability to train, coach, and supervise critical technique-dependent cleanroom and bench-level chemical activities
    • Able to contribute to multiple projects simultaneously

    Qualifications We Prefer

    Education:

    • Masters degree in engineering or physics.

    Experience

    • Experience developing, designing and implementing chemical processes
    • Experience with electro and acid based chemical etching and high pressure rinsing of SRF cavities
    • Experience with plasma-based treatment processes
    • Expertise in SRF cavity production processes, tools and equipment

    About Jefferson Lab

    Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. ¿The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.

    A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of “big science” and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by Jefferson Science Associates, LLC; Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.

    Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab

    At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

    • Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
    • Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave)
    • 401(k) Plan – 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested
    • Flexible Work Arrangements (Hybrid & Alternate Work Schedules available)
    • Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
    • Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches, mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast

    Jefferson Science Associates, LLC (JSA) manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). JSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. As part of the JSA’s equal employment opportunity policy, we also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.

    JSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to employment @ jlab.org or call (757) 269-7598 to provide the nature of your request. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Employment with JSA is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.