Radio Frequency Engineer I / Engineering/Physicist Accelerator I

Job Description:

Working/Functional Title

Radio Frequency Engineer I

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes, or short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth. Hosting what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry. User facility operation is supported by the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics as one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities. MSU’s nuclear physics graduate program is a top-ranked program nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.

This position affords an exciting opportunity to become part of the world-class FRIB Laboratory that enables unique discovery opportunities in nuclear science.

Purpose:

The Radio Frequency Engineer I provides electrical engineering designs, documentation, installation assistance, analysis and maintenance support to the laboratory for assigned RF systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Support daily operations and assist with scheduling and performing preventive maintenance, basic repairs, and parts management for the K500 RF system, following established procedures and guidance from senior staff.
• Assist in the assembly, testing, and modification of RF amplifiers and related systems to support improvements in overall performance and efficiency.
• Support the design, documentation, fabrication, and installation of RF systems associated with the FRIB project and future upgrades, under the direction of senior engineers or technical staff.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance tasks and results and communicate observed issues or potential areas for improvement to appropriate staff.
• Maintain electronic documentation to ensure records are available, current, and complete for assigned equipment, following established documentation standards.
• Perform in-house calibration of electronic test equipment and assist with coordinating external calibrations through approved third‑party suppliers.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of this job classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experienced with high-power RF amplifiers and power supplies, including associated CS-Studio and programming tools
• Experience with RF circuits and related test equipment (network analyzers, signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.)
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance concepts, safety procedures, and documentation practices for technical equipment.
• Effective organizational skills for maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to identify and report equipment issues or irregularities clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a technical team environment while managing routine tasks reliably and accurately.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics to perform repairs and/or modifications
• Basic troubleshooting skills to find issues in circuits, electronics, and RF systems
• Calibration of electronics test equipment (in-house and external services)

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Systems or Computer Science; or Engineering or Physics, with coursework in Systems or Computer Science; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in electronics, mechanical and/or electrical drafting and fabrication techniques, or computer programming in one or more languages used by the FRIB; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to work with export-controlled technologies
• Frequent lifting of 26 pounds or more is required
• US citizenship is required

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with RF circuits and related test equipment (network analyzers, signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.)
• Experience with high-power RF amplifiers and power supplies
• Knowledgeable with design tools such as ANSYS Electronics/HFSS, SPICE, Matlab, etc.
• Experience managing designs in a formal environment
• Good negotiating and communication skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please provide a cover letter and a resume.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

frib.msu.edu

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 06/0/2026 at 11:55 PM