Mechanical Engineer

Description

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Mechanical Engineer provides engineering and engineering management support for mechanical and industrial systems across SDSTA facilities, infrastructure, research programs, and operations. The Mechanical Engineer collaborates with science, engineering, project, operations, and maintenance staff to support the planning, design, development, installation, integration, operation, and maintenance of mechanical systems and infrastructure.

Based on organizational needs, Mechanical Engineers may be assigned primary responsibility for specific systems, programs, projects, or technical areas. Assigned responsibilities may vary by position and may change over time based on operational and organizational needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following reflects SDSTA’s definition of essential functions for this position and does not restrict other tasks that may be assigned. SDSTA retains the right to re-evaluate the duties of the position when considering a reasonable accommodation or at other appropriate times. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops concepts for preliminary and detailed engineering design for surface and underground mechanical and industrial systems to support science, engineering research programs and facilities operations.
• Coordinate the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of scientific experimental equipment for government-sponsored research programs and facilities.
• Design engineering of test support equipment and customized tooling (e.g. adapters and fixtures, equipment installation and facility integration, equipment reconfiguration).
• Leads or participates in project planning, design, installation, and integration among engineering and research teams for proposed experiments. This includes all mechanical and industrial subsystems for underground construction and operations.
• Evaluates mechanical components proposed for installation at the facility, either approving or offering recommendations for modifications to obtain approval; includes interaction with outside vendors to source information for effective decision-making.
• Works with SDSTA staff to support the development and execution of operations and maintenance strategies on infrastructure to ensure safe, efficient long-term function.
• Provides support for the evaluation of mechanical and industrial hazards and development of effective controls to mitigate or eliminate these hazards.
• Prepares presentations and other written reports to effectively communicate engineering concepts, analysis and planning to internal and external audiences.
• Provides oversight and coordination for scope definition and contract management of out-sourced A/E consultant services including production of detailed specifications, engineering design, construction drawings, and maintenance documents, and planning functions relating to engineering analysis and studies.
• Performs project and logistics management functions for construction and installation projects to ensure systems are constructed in accordance with plans and specifications; includes developing acquisition strategies for effective project execution.
• Develops detailed cost estimates and project schedules to support effective planning, budget development, and baseline scheduling for science and facility programs.
• Professional peer review of reports, designs, drawings etc. prepared by other staff.
• Uses engineering design and other supporting software to effectively perform the functional responsibilities.
• When assigned, manage the SDSTA cranes and rigging maintenance, inspection, and certification program. This includes scheduling inspections, reviewing inspection reports and recommendations, coordinating repairs, and supporting certification and return to service.
• When assigned, collaborates with engineering, operations, maintenance, and other departments to support project and operational requirements and minimize risks associated with overhead lifting activities.
• When assigned, recommends and coordinates appropriate personnel training related to cranes and rigging operation and maintenance.

Other Essential Functions

• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field is required.

Certifications and Licenses

• South Dakota Professional Engineers (PE) license or commitment to obtain the license following South Dakota licensing requirements is preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of three years of experience in mechanical engineering or related fields. Experience may include design, construction, management, or operations in some of the following areas: 1) Large industrial and manufacturing facilities 2) Underground or surface facilities with relevant technical challenges, 3) federally funded projects 4) industrial systems engineering.
• Sound engineering judgment and evidence of strong communication skills. This includes relevant experience with design, construction, manufacturing, or operation of mechanical and industrial systems including cryogenic flow systems, hydraulic and vacuum pumping systems, HVAC, and related controls and monitoring equipment. Experience with machining and use of industrial tools is desired.
• Experience using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, project management, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) in the performance of functional responsibilities.
• Experience with program management is highly desired.
• Experience with maintenance planning and implementation is preferred.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills 

• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands.
• Attention to Detail—Maintains constant awareness of surroundings and ensures tasks are completed carefully and accurately.
• Communication—Communicates effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form including complex technical topics for all to understand.
• Decision-making—Assesses situations, evaluates options and chooses most appropriate course of action.
• Initiative—Persists despite difficult conditions and makes suggestions for improvements.
• Organization—Prioritizes tasks, manages time, and coordinates numerous activities.
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand and comply with SURF’s safety program. Willing to accept and enforce strict safety practices.

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

• This position may require working in office, surface, and underground environments at depths up to 5000 feet, which may include exposure to extreme conditions, confined spaces, and varying temperatures.
• Perform work in a typical office environment which includes individual workstations, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas such as a break room and kitchen.
• The noise level is generally low to moderate in typical of an office setting and moderately loud when on the surface or underground, and may require hearing protection.
• The office is well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial lighting to ensure a comfortable working environment.
• The office maintains a controlled temperature environment, with heating and air conditioning systems to ensure comfort throughout the year.
• Ergonomic office furniture and equipment are provided to support employee health and well-being.
• The company is committed to providing a safe working environment and adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Employees are expected to comply with SDSTA’s ESH Manual safety program.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety Standards protocols are mandatory.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.

Mental and Physical Demands

• Regular interaction with team members, supervisors, and other departments and collaborators.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
• Sitting for extended periods of time while using a computer
• Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
• Dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, and telephones.
• Perform occasional physical labor and light lifting up to 20 pounds
• Occasional standing, walking, climbing up and down flights of stairs, and otherwise moving around the office to perform tasks
• Ability to travel as needed.

Job Information

Supervisory Duties:  No

Direct Reports:  N/A.

Work Arrangements:  On-Site

Hours:  M-F; 7AM - 4PM

Travel Required:  0%

Mission/Vision/Core Values

Mission: We advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.

Vision: The world’s preferred location for underground science and education.

Core Values:

• Safety Focused: We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment.
• Care for Others: We embrace and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We listen knowing everyone has something to offer and to learn.
• Professional: What we do is important to our community and the world. We sweat the details to achieve big things. Our behavior and ethics exemplify our best.
• Team Players: We provide unmatched service. We are respectful and deliver for our customers and partners. We build trust not barriers.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement 

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited.