Research Engineer (Bates)


 

Posted: 05/07/2025

Job #: 24950

Job Title:  Research Engineer 2

Position Title: Research Engineer

Grade:

Exempt/Non-exempt: 40/Exempt

Salary range: $100K - $135K

LABORATORY FOR NUCLEAR SCIENCE OVERVIEW:

The MIT-Bates Research and Engineering Center (REC) is a multi-purpose laboratory providing engineering and technical support for experiments and activities important to the national nuclear physics program. The work of the REC is making possible some of the highest-priority work in nuclear physics, as indicated by Nuclear Physics Long Range Plans and by priorities established by the DOE Office of Science. MIT-Bates is part of the MIT Laboratory for Nuclear Science (LNS), which works to determine the fundamental laws of nature, understand the large-scale structure of the universe, explore the high energy frontier, understand atomic nuclei, understand plasma dynamics, and develop new research tools. The MIT- Bates research campus also hosts activities of importance to MIT researchers outside of LNS.

This position is based in Middleton, MA.


POSITION OVERVIEW:

To expand our capabilities, The Bates Engineering Group seeks to appoint a dynamic engineer to engage in challenging upcoming projects. The Research Engineer will design, specify, fabricate, and procure complex experimental equipment to be used in detectors and particle accelerators. Applicants should be highly motivated to work in a cross-disciplinary environment on R&D and engineering activities. Previous work experience with particle accelerators, detectors or accelerator sub-systems (e.g. magnet technology) is highly desirable.


PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):
  • Participates in the design, development and execution of research projects with a variety of scopes, in collaboration with a larger research team
  • Acts as a top‐level technical contributor in one or more highly specialized functions of research with the Project Scientists, Professors and Engineering Management to translate scientific needs into engineering concepts and specifications, overseeing schedule and participating in budget creation and reporting
  • Interacts with Lab-wide professional staff and develops internal and external collaborations
  • Prepares and presents proposals and reports, and communicates directly with collaborators
  • Contributes original ideas and provides critical technical direction for development and integration of project components
  • Designs and analyzes complex vacuum, cryogenic equipment and support and motion systems for physics experiments
  • Oversees design, construction, and installation of accelerator, detector, cryogenic and other engineering systems for national and international user facilities including BNL, JLab, ORNL, and CERN
  • Investigates the feasibility of new research directions and technologies
  • Will identify and work with Vendors to secure quotes and manage procurement cycle
  • May train other research or technical personnel
  • Travel as needed to meetings, visit vendors and install equipment (approximately 10%)
  • Will travel to CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) located near Geneva, Switzerland for a handful of weeks each year
  • Participates in special projects as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS/TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Required

  • M.S. degree in Engineering, Physics or related field
  • At least four years relevant experience working with air and fluid cooling systems, various detector technologies for physics research, magnets, ultra high vacuum equipment or similar complex mechanical systems
  • Expert experience with 3D modeling tools, preferably Solid Works, AutoCAD Inventor and/or CATIA
  • Expert experience in FEA/CFD for electromechanical, thermal and cryogenic systems (COMSOL or ANSYS)
  • Programming experience in C, Python and/or MATLAB
  • Project development and management experience
  • Experience with fabrication, assembly, and testing of complex electro- mechanical systems
  • Knowledge of machine shop operations, thermal sciences and mechanical design
  • Ability to design equipment as well as oversee the fabrication of complex components and assemblies
  • Ability to write clear procedures, document test results, and present findings for critical review in team meetings
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to document design parameters and concepts, assembly and/or fabrication procedures, and any testing results
  • Demonstrated ability to master and quickly contribute to complex engineering projects while maintaining aggressive schedules
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a contributing team member
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple stakeholder projects independently, from start to finish
  • Strong interpersonal skills over phone, email and in-person for relating effectively with faculty, students, program staff and collaborators, to build rapport with diverse stakeholder groups to accomplish goals
  • Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to listen carefully and communicate tactfully

Preferred:

  • PhD in Engineering
  • Technical skills in computer programs such as Google suite, Smartsheet, Overleaf, Adobe, and/or GitHub, etc.

HYBRID SCHEDULE:

At the Middleton campus 4 days/week

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

MIT-Bates Associate Director

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

No formal supervisory duties


Apply for Job #: 24950

MIT is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position

This position has a 6-month probationary period for new employees to the Institute.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background check.

 


LNS benefits from a diverse and engaged workplace and seeks to further enhance our community by employing individuals from varied backgrounds. LNS actively supports MIT’s commitment to advancing a respectful and caring community that embraces diversity and empowers everyone to learn and do their best.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.