Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) was recently chosen as 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

The Technical Systems Division (TSD) of the Electron Ion Collider (EIC) directorate has an opening for an experienced engineering manager to serve as the RF Systems Group Leader.  This role will manage the TSD RF functional team and also serve as the EIC Project - RF Systems Deputy Manager. Reporting to the TSD Deputy Director, you will manage a team of 20 individuals comprised of Scientists, Engineers, Technicians, matrixed staff, and contractors. You will interface with and coordinates efforts with similar resources at partner laboratories and institutions. Serving in the EIC Project - RF Systems Deputy Manager role, you will partner and report to the EIC project level RF Leader located at Jefferson Laboratory in Newport News, Virginia.

The EIC RF Group is responsible for delivering and commissioning all EIC accelerator RF systems including warm and SRF cavities, high power RF amplifiers, Low Level and High-Level RF control systems. The group’s scope includes physics and engineering design, development of design packages, specifications, SOWs and other documentation, procurement, construction, and acceptance testing for all EIC accelerator RF sub-systems and components. RF systems will operate in a complex of electron and ion accelerators - synchrotrons, storage rings, and LINACs - with challenges including heavy beam loading, high power Higher Order Mode damping, high field and high Q0 SRF, hadron and electron beam crabbing, wide dynamic range, and frequencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working with Accelerator Physicists and EIC System Managers, oversee the development and definition of the scope for all EIC RF systems, including:

  • Definition and specification of EIC RF system functionality and performance.

  • Deliverables for all phases of the project work – design, engineering analysis, R&D, procurement and fabrication documentation packages, prototypes and first articles, construction, incoming inspection and test, installation, integrated system testing and commissioning.

• Coordinate with other groups to ensure efficient and accurate communication of RF system parameters and requirements which impact their scope.

• Report to EIC Project and Technical Management for assignments, guidance, and support.  Collaborate with EIC project leads, the project management group, other engineering teams and scientific group leaders.

• Work closely with the RF engineering system leads to manage and oversee individual engineering projects, set priorities, and develop detailed project and procurement plans.

• As the EIC Project - RF Systems Deputy Manager:

  • Coordinate and facilitate recurring meetings and design reviews.

  • Support other project level managers with project activities including but not limited to budgeting exercises, EVMS practices and scheduling.

  • Translate complex technical discussions into executive level summaries for leadership consumption.

  • Assess risk and mitigation strategies.

  • Guide teams through the Value Engineering process.

• Prepare and deliver engineering design presentations for BNL and Department of Energy reviews as well as advise and oversee the development and execution of reviews by the RF engineering staff.

• Detail the infrastructure and installation requirements necessary to support the operation of RF systems.

• Execute the defined RF scope within the project cost and schedule.

  • Track and execute all procurements with vendors and partner labs.

  • Generate performance data and reports and track and report on any corrective action items.

• Perform cost and schedule evaluations as appropriate throughout the project to determine Estimates to Complete.

• Designate and oversee Control Account Managers (CAMs) to manage areas of assigned scope.

• Assign and supervise the work of group members and ensure that they have the necessary qualifications, skills, experience and resources to deliver the RF scope and carry out all work safely and professionally.

• Build and maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce in a professional, productive, respectful work environment.  Supervise, guide, and develop staff with high standards for quality of work and to meet anticipated workload requirements. 

• Maintain an environment conducive to openness, collaboration, and respect for all.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related field.

• Broad knowledge and understanding of RF systems and their role in particle accelerators.

• 15 years’ relevant technical work experience, with at least 5 years’ experience leading and/or managing personnel and projects, and a demonstrated record of successes with progressively increasing responsibilities.

• Experience with particle accelerator systems and/or other state-of-the-art large-scale engineering projects.

• Possess effective coaching and mentoring skills. Experience in giving real time performance feedback and constructive criticism, as well as structured period performance reviews.

• Ability to collaborate and coordinate with other technical group leads and other labs and facilities to achieve overall project objectives.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and proficiency with standard MS Office tools including Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related field.

• Broad knowledge of accelerator RF systems, Superconducting RF and NC RF accelerating and crabbing cavities with peripheries including FPC, FMD, tuners, HOM damper etc., cryomodules and cryogenic systems, high power RF amplifiers and transmission systems, control of high-power RF systems, machine, and personnel safety.

• Knowledge of accelerator physics and beam-cavity interactions.

• Familiarity with state-of-the-art high performance SRF – high gradient, high Q0.

• Familiarity with NC and SRF cavity and cryomodule fabrication and assembly requirements, techniques, and challenges.

• Experience with any of the following technical software: Matlab, MathCad, Mathematica, CST Studio Suite, ACE3p, AutoCad, etc.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and/or project experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).

Other Information:

• Occasional travel will be required.

• Requires onsite work a minimum of four days per week.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $137400 - $219600 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.