Experimental Facility Operator

The Nuclear Science and Engineering Division (NSE) at Argonne National Laboratory is looking for an Experimental Facility Operator. For this position we are seeking an entry level or near entry level electrical and/or mechanically inclined equipment operators to join our multi-disciplinary team that includes design engineers, test engineers, fluids and thermal researchers, and experienced technicians. 

The selected individual will, under supervision, design, build, test, operate and trouble-shoot cutting-edge experimental systems and sub-systems with a primary focus on the operations and maintenance of an intermediate-scale liquid metal technology facility called the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) and other experimental systems.

METL is an intermediate-scale liquid metal experimental facility whose purpose is to provide purified R-grade sodium to various experimental test vessels to test components that are required to operate in a prototypic advanced reactor environment. The METL facility will provide its services to researchers located at Argonne, in the U.S. and internationally.

Responsibilities include:

• With limited supervision, follow written procedures to operate and maintain the METL facility and small and intermediate-scale liquid metal technology facilities. Provide technical support for experimental and programmatic work in the areas of mechanical, electromechanical, optical, fluid, controls, and electrical systems. Support the research needs of the R&D community who will be installing and testing components in METL.

• With limited supervision, develop, fabricate, troubleshoot, repair, calibrate, purchase, and maintain a variety of complex electronic and mechanical apparatus, plant/process equipment, and subsystems that support the METL facility and the experiments conducted in that facility.

• With supervision, assist in the design and test electronic systems which typically consist of power supplies and controllers, data logging hardware, and equipment for temperature and valve control.

Note: This description describes the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities

Position Requirements

• Some experience with experimental design and operation including instrumentation (thermocouples, pressure transmitters, flow meters, level, etc.) specification, installation and operation.

• Liquid metal technology expertise is desirable, but not essential. You will be trained on handling liquid metals.

• Some familiarity with industry standards and practices for electrical and/or mechanical systems.

• Knowledge of mechanical equipment (motors, pulleys, gears, pumps, valves, etc.), thermal effects on materials and components (expansion, evaporation, etc.), and operation of a personal computer.

• Knowledge of metallurgy, heat transfer and fluid mechanics is desirable.

• Some LabVIEW/Eurotherm/industrial control experience is desirable.

• Must maintain knowledge and awareness of Laboratory policies and procedures.

• Skilled in oral and written communication.

• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

• The position may include intermittent shift work because METL operates 24 hours per day.

The selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (ST3 or ST4) depending upon depth and breadth of relevant knowledge, skills, and experience brought to the position. The requirements for the desired levels are as follows:

• ST3 Level: Technical institute or AA degree and 7+ years of related work experience, Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and 4+ years of related work experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $35.73 - $55.74 per hour.

• ST4 Level: Technical institute or AA degree and 10+ years of related work experience, Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and 7+ years of related work experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $39.78 - $62.06 per hour.

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

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