Biocontainment Facility Engineer
Job Summary:
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI), a Department of Defense (DoD)-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), is seeking a Biocontainment Facility Engineer at its Melbourne, FL laboratory and surrounding locations.
The facility engineer will provide hands-on coordination and implementation of daily facility maintenance operations at NSRI Laboratories. The facility engineer is responsible for complex physical plant operations (boilers, chillers, and waste treatment), utilities management, heating, ventilation & air conditioning, systems, building management systems (Johnson Controls), plumbing and waste handling systems, electrical, refrigeration, and additional contracted services necessary to properly maintain the facility in exceptional working condition. The position reports to the Director of Sample Exploitation and Sequencing and, as the facility expands, may manage facilities support staff. The facility engineer develops and maintains superior predictive, preventive, and responsive maintenance programs for critical biocontainment systems and facility infrastructure. The biocontainment engineer is the technical engineering resource and provides advice and leadership in oversight of procedures and documentation for facility performance requirements in compliance with industry standards and in accordance with local State, Federal regulations and guidelines including those related to Select Agent programs.
Based in Melbourne, Florida with a facility near Cocoa Beach Florida, this position is part of a government funded project and employment is contingent upon continued client funding and performance. A successful candidate will be self-motivated and capable of working independently or in a team environment with minimal direction to support NSRI facilities, projects, and personnel.
Priority Consideration: In alignment with our commitment to staff development and internal mobility, current NSRI employees will be given priority consideration for this vacancy, provided they meet the minimum qualifications. Internal candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Essential Job Duties:
Areas of functional responsibilities are related to the necessary engineering requirements to maintain operations of biocontainment facilities. These include but are not exclusive to the position: Maintains superior predictive, preventive and responsive maintenance programs for critical biocontainment systems and facility infrastructure.
• Manage MEP systems, focusing on biosafety systems for BSL-2 and potential BSL-3 areas.
• Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance for critical systems.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies for laboratory certification and compliance.
• Develop and implement emergency response plans.
• Operates, monitors and maintains critical physical plant systems such as boiler and chiller equipment in proper working order.
• Operates waste disposal systems and effluent decontamination systems
• Prepares reports and maintains records on physical plant operations and repair and maintenance activities.
Education and Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in a field of engineering is required.
• Minimum of five years full time experience, preferably in biocontainment lab environments, with responsibilities in facilities operation, facilities management, is required.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience with biocontainment (BSL-2, BSL-3) programs and facilities (HVAC design/controls or related fields e.g. industrial hygiene, environmental health, occupational safety, etc.).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to work cooperatively with office staff, researchers, facilities design and maintenance personnel, laboratory technical staff, external contractors, administrators, local, state and federal government regulators, etc.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects within the confines of time, budgets and available personnel.
• Superior organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Personal computer experience, with working knowledge of Windows-based software is required.
• Experience with laboratory MEP systems, biosafety requirements and building automation systems.
• Knowledge of facility certification processes and environmental controls.
• Knowledge and ability for use of centralized maintenance management system.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to undergo and maintain a favorable background investigation and ability to undergo and maintain a final US Government security clearance.
• Strict adherence to safety protocols mandatory.
• This position requires the individual to be a U.S. citizen and must be able to obtain and maintain U.S. government security clearance eligibility. This position may also require a Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph to meet contractual requirements.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Desired Qualifications
• Current DoD security clearance
Additional Information:
• This position requires work in secure facilities and handling of classified information.
•Salary: starting at $99,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
•Travel may be required for sponsor meetings, collaboration, and site visits.
•This job has potential for safety hazard exposures and infectious disease exposure. Protective vaccines will be offered as needed.
NSRI Benefits:
•Health
•Dental
•Vision
•ER-paid Life
•Vol Life (employee, spouse, child(ren))
•AD&D
•LTD
•403b (retirement), with employer matching
•Paid time off
•Paid holidays
About NSRI:
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) is a DoD-designated UARC affiliated with the University of Nebraska. NSRI provides innovative R&D and technical expertise in support of national security. UARCs operate as long-term, strategic partners with the federal government, performing essential work that cannot be competitively outsourced.
This position represents an opportunity to serve the public interest by contributing to the security and resilience of the nation.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
NSRI is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor. We comply with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action in employment.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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