Electrical Engineer for Superconducting Magnets and Quench - Brookhaven National Laboratory

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) was recently chosen as the building site for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), a one-of-a-kind nuclear physics research facility.  The EIC will be a discovery machine for unlocking the secrets of the “glue” that binds the building blocks of visible matter in the universe. The machine design is based on the existing and highly optimized RHIC Ion-Ion collider.   It will consist of two intersecting accelerators, one producing an intense beam of electrons, the other a beam of protons or heavier atomic nuclei which are steered into collisions.  Beyond sparking scientific discoveries in a new frontier of fundamental physics, the Electron-Ion Collider will trigger technological breakthroughs that have broad-ranging impact on human health and national challenges.

Position Description

We seek an Electrical Engineer to join our Power Supply Systems group.  In this role, you will work with team members developing, designing, procuring, testing, and installing superconducting magnet quench detection and quench protection devices for the EIC.  In addition, you will be part of a team modifying superconducting magnet connections, voltage taps and cryogenic feedthroughs as well as installing new superconducting magnets. These superconducting magnet systems control the path of the beams for the EIC accelerator systems.  You will assist in developing specifications, documenting, and developing plans, schedules, and cost, tracking, and managing execution, and monitoring and reacting to project risks and scope adjustments.  We seek candidates with a background in superconducting magnets, quench protection and power electronics and who enjoy working in a collaborative, team environment.

Join BNL at the beginning of this ground-breaking scientific and engineering project and become part of the team building this scientific discovery machine (bnl.gov/eic).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with the Superconducting Magnet & Power Supply Systems staff, accelerator physicists, and system managers and engineers to develop, define, and document detailed requirements and specifications for superconducting magnet quench detection and quench protection systems

• Collaborate with other engineers and technicians to deliver superconducting magnet quench detection and quench protection systems and components. Participate in various project phases including, initial concept, engineering analysis, detailed design, integration, fabrication procurement assembly, testing, installation, and commissioning.

• Work as part of a team in all magnet quench detection/quench protection/power supply system projects.  Assist in developing project plans defining and documenting scope, required labor and material resources, schedules, and procurement plans.

• Ensure that magnet quench detection/quench protection/power supply systems and components have well defined specifications for support systems: electrical power, water cooling, HVAC, compressed air, and controls, and that these are communicated with the responsible support groups.

• Support superconducting magnet power supply operation including training operation staff, develop operation procedures, trouble shooting and resolve technical issues.

• Maintain an environment conducive to openness, collaboration, and respect for all.

(Selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level based on the depth and breadth of relevant engineering knowledge, skills, and experience.)

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

• At least three (3) years of relevant technical experience that demonstrates an understanding of superconducting magnet quench detection and quench protection experience. Background must include design, development, and testing experience on creative engineering projects

• Familiarity with electronic test equipment including function generators, oscilloscopes, and multimeters

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and collaborate/interact with other engineering and scientific staff for assignment, and guidance. Support contractors, vendors, project management and procurement professionals

• Experience organizing and presenting technical status reports, utilizing MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• At least seven (7) years of relevant technical experience

• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and operating large scale low temperature superconducting magnet power supplies/quench detection/quench protection and support systems

• Ability to design quench protection schemes and analysis to ensure the safety of the magnet operation

• Experience working with and modifying superconducting magnet string drawings, superconducting magnet voltage taps, superconducting bus work voltage taps, and gas cooled lead voltage taps

• Designing, purchasing and installation of cryogenic feedthroughs. Experience with superconducting magnet and superconducting buswork joints

• Knowledge of Visual Basic, Matlab, Mathcad, Python, C, C++ and/or LabView in a lab environment

• Experience with technical software: PSpice, PSIM, Micro-Cap or other circuit analysis tools

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Will be required to climb ladders to varied heights

• May be required to become a qualified Radiation Worker

• May be required to occasionally work off-hours, nights and/or weekends to support mission critical projects

Other Information:

• Some travel may be required

• Selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level based on the depth and breadth of relevant engineering knowledge, skills, and experience

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $91850 - $151750 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience.  Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.