The National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II) is a DOE-funded scientific user facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory.  The Physical Sciences & Research Operations Division (PSROD) manages the operation and development of NSLS-II’s physical sciences experimental portfolio. The division includes scientific, technical, and professional staff who design, construct, and operate state-of-the-art spectroscopic, imaging, and scattering capabilities that support a wide range of physical and materials science research. 

Position Description

The Physical Sciences & Research Operations Division (PSROD) is seeking an experienced Electro-Mechanical Technician who will support the experimental programs with a variety of technical assignments involving electro-mechanical systems of varying complexity.  We are specifically looking for an individual with direct or transferable experience that can be applied to maintain, modify, improve, troubleshoot, develop and install existing and new equipment.  This includes assisting scientific staff members with setting up scientific experiments.  Those without direct experience, but with a wide range of applicable trade skills (HVAC, automotive, maritime/aerospace) or military technical training are encouraged to apply. We seek individuals with a high degree of organizational ability (planning and implementing complex hands-on tasks and managing related activities) that also bring a questioning and problem-solving attitude when approaching assigned tasks. Since safety is a prime consideration at Brookhaven National Laboratory, planning, organizational skills, sound judgment, and a healthy appreciation for “what can go wrong” are essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under general technical direction, perform a wide variety of highly skilled technical assignments to support the Division program scientific and professional staff. 

• Under the direction of a technical supervisor, but often working alone, complete specific tasks requiring a high degree of proficiency in technical skills and techniques in such areas as fabrication, assembly, evaluation, testing, troubleshooting, operation, maintenance or construction of equipment, systems and facilities involved with scientific research. 

• May plan and coordinate projects by providing imaginative, thorough, and practicable solutions to a wide range of problems and challenging assignments.

• Work with and help coordinate the work efforts of other technical support personnel assigned to a specific project. 

• Diagnose and resolve mechanical and electrical issues on complex equipment and perform regular inspections and preventive maintenance.

• Manage inventory of mechanical, electrical and vacuum parts and tools to address operational priorities.  

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High school diploma or equivalent plus:
  • a BS degree in a technical field and 2 years work experience or;  
  • a technical institute, Adult BOCES certification, AA degree in a technical field, CCI program completion at BNL plus 6 years experience or;
  • a technical high school certification program (eg. BOCES) and 7 years relevant work experience or;
• 8 years relevant work experience

• Considerable experience with fabrication, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of technical systems, in at least one of the following: electrical/electronics systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, or fluid/gas handling systems.  

• Experience working with hand and power tools for assembly and disassembly of equipment, including one-of-a-kind systems with often expensive and fragile components. 

• Expertise working from procedures, drawings, schematics, user manuals and verbal instructions for installation, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of technical systems

• Basic computer operating skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technicians, vendors/contractors and safety professionals.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High school diploma or equivalent plus:
  • a BS degree in a technical field and 4 years work experience or;
  • a technical institute, Adult BOCES certification, AA degree in a technical field, CCI program completion at BNL plus 8 years experience or;
  • a technical high school certification program (eg. BOCES) and 9 years relevant work experience or;
• 10 years relevant work experience

• Experience with supporting research through electrical/mechanical design, fabrication, maintenance of scientific equipment at university, corporate, or government institutions. 

• Substantial experience related to operating and maintaining electronics and controls including motion and temperature controllers, low/high pressure gas systems and vacuum/UHV operations, and cryogenic cooling systems. 

• Experience in cable termination, cable routing, and rack mount equipment installation.

• Troubleshooting skills for commercial and in-house fabricated electronic components.  

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Lifting, moderate 15-30 lbs 

• Ability to hear alarms 

• Alertness and mental sharpness 

• Physical coordination and balance 

• Arm/hand dexterity 

• Vision, good near and normal color 

• Hear and understand speech 

• Good communication and organizational skills

• Ability to work in confined spaces

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 $ 76100 - $ 110300 / 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.