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, …

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