Senior SRF Engineer

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is 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

BNL’s Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) directorate has an opening in the RF Group for a Senior SRF Engineer with experience in surface processing and clean assembly of SRF cavities and equipment. In this role, you will oversee and optimize all cleanroom operations related to the preparation, assembly, and integration of SRF cavities and associated components. The work scope will include upgrades and maintenance of the current class 10 cleanroom and the class 100 cleanroom, as well as planning, surface preparations, and clean assemblies of SRF cavities and associated components for the EIC Project.

This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate all SRF cleanroom operations, including cavity preparation, high-pressure rinsing (HPR), clean assembly, and leak checking in ISO class 10–100 environments.

• Oversee upgrades, maintenance, certification, and validation of SRF cleanroom facilities to meet EIC project requirements.

• Serve as the technical interface with external vendors and partners for SRF component processing (e.g., BCP, EP), including coordination and follow-up.

• Develop, implement, and enforce cleanroom procedures and quality documentation to ensure particle-free handling and assembly of SRF components.

• Optimize surface preparation, cleaning, assembly, and vacuum practices to improve cavity yield, performance, and schedule efficiency.

• Supervise and manage technicians and engineers responsible for cleanroom operations and SRF cavity and cryomodule assembly.

• Ensure compliance of cleanroom operations with laboratory safety standards, national codes, and environmental, health, and safety requirements.

• Contribute to project planning, budgeting, and execution of SRF systems scope for the EIC in collaboration with RF Group leadership and project management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, applied physics, or a related field plus 7+ years of related experience, OR Master’s degree in related field plus 6+ years of related experience.

• At least five (5) years’ experience in class 10-100 cleanroom operations and clean assembly of SRF cavities and components.

• Experience with SRF cavity processing techniques such as HPR and vacuum bakeout.

• Familiarity with ISO cleanroom standards, environmental monitoring, and gowning protocols.

• Ability to read and interpret detailed mechanical drawings and 3D models of SRF systems and components.

• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation, procedures, travelers, and quality reports.

• Leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and coordinate across disciplines.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Attention to detail and commitment to procedural discipline.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• At least ten (10) years of experience in SRF cleanroom operations and accelerator-related hardware.

• Experience with SRF cryomodule assembly, integration, or operational support.

• Experience with SRF cavity processing techniques such buffered chemical polishing, electropolishing, and nitrogen infusion and doping.

• Experience designing tooling and fixtures for clean processing and assembly of SRF components.

• Knowledge of materials compatibility for ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic applications.

• Familiarity with cleanroom certification processes and environmental monitoring systems.

• Familiarity with the production of thin film coatings used in RF/SRF cavities (e.g. TiN).

• Familiarity with surface characterization techniques (e.g. XPS, SEM).

• Project management experience, including scheduling and resource planning tools (e.g., MS Project).

• Professional Engineering (PE) license.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train technicians in SRF cleanroom best practices.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• May be required to work with Compressed Gases.

• May be required to work in Confined Spaces, Oxygen Deficiency Hazard areas and Static Magnetic fields areas.

• May be required to climb Ladders and operate Cranes.

• May be required to become a qualified Radiation Worker and work in radiation areas.

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

• May involve occasional lifting of components (~30 lbs).

Other Information:

• May be required to travel to attend vendor meetings, project reviews, conferences, and training.

• A hybrid work arrangement is available for working from home one out of five days a week.

• Candidate will be placed at the appropriate level based on breadth and depth of knowledge.

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 $113050 - $218150 / 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.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program

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About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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