Engineering Training & Development Manager

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a world-class fusion energy research laboratory managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. PPPL is dedicated to developing the scientific and technological knowledge base for fusion energy. The Laboratory advances the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics research to develop the scientific understanding and key innovations needed to realize fusion, the processes that power the stars, as an energy source for the world.

The Engineering Directorate at PPPL is a multidisciplinary team focused on developing the engineering designs for, and advancing the state-of-the-art of, magnetic confinement plasma physics research devices around the world. We specialize in diagnostics, high-field magnets, heating sources, plasma facing components, and digital/virtual engineering. for nuclear fusion experiments at PPPL and collaborator facilities world-wide. Mechanical (solid mechanics and fluid dynamics), electromagnetic, thermal, and material engineering challenges, and radiation effects are routinely encountered simultaneously in PPPL engineering diagnostics projects. PPPL engineers develop novel solutions to the engineering challenges of fusion and plasma physics and collaborate with the Research team to develop new research directions, core capabilities, and experimental devices.

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

This position is for an Engineering Training & Development Manager.

This role consists of two parts, specifically the implementation of systems engineering principles to include integration of multidisciplinary engineering best practices across the engineering organization and establishing a formal and informal training environment.

The training manager will be responsible for:

- developing and conducting an engineering staff development program for the engineering organization at PPPL

- oversight of the development of a formal training program for the directorate focused on continuous engineering development needs of the staff or consistent and optimized performance of the engineering directorate.

- supporting and encouraging the implementation of digital/virtual engineering and systems engineering across PPPL,

- managing the Master of Engineering program between PPPL and Princeton University

- coordinating the directorate’s role in the PPPL Apprenticeship Program.

This will be accomplished by developing course materials both individually and with coordination of engineering subject matter experts to conduct training for our staff as appropriate and coordinating informal training to grow technical expertise within the engineering directorate. This position reports to the PPPL Engineering Directorate Operations Officer who will provide direction for the objectives, schedules, and costs of the various programs.

Core Duties

• Provide technical direction and oversight in developing a training program for the Engineering Directorate to include on-boarding at PPPL Engineering, Fusion Engineering 101, Digital/Virtual Engineering, Systems Engineering as well as, the development and execution of curriculum dedicated to supporting engineering staff and customizing program elements to specific engineering disciplines and teams.
• Apply knowledge and aptitude to Analysis (FMEA), verification and validation) and/or integration of multidisciplinary engineering to the creation of training materials and conducting formal relevant training programs.
• Provide technical direction and oversight in the development of a training program for the Engineering Directorate to include on-boarding at PPPL Engineering, Fusion Engineering 101, Digital/Virtual Engineering, as well as, the development and execution of curriculum dedicated to supporting engineering staff and customizing program elements to specific engineering teams.
• Develop an approach with metrics for evaluating the acceptance and utility of training across the directorate.
• Provide strategic training input to enhance PPPL capabilities in systems engineering and engineering integration as a core competency.
• Planning, organizing, and developing training curricula, materials, and programs.
• Analyzing training needs and developing both formal and informal programs to address them.
• Evaluating third party training providers.
• Managing delivery of internal and externally provided training.
• Mentor PPPL engineers and their managers in developing individual development plans to support retention of personnel and provide consistency across PPPL projects.
• Work directly with the PPPL Apprenticeship Program Manager to coordinate the Engineering Directorate’s participation.
• Coordinate annual requirements to manage and grow the Master of Engineering program between PPPL and Princeton University.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in Engineering
• Focus on Systems Engineering or Multi Disciplined engineering background preferred
• Training program development and instructor experience.
• At least 10 years of professional experience inclusive of post-BS academic experience, preferably in a scientific or R&D environment.
• At least three years of experience in an engineering leadership role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of techniques for delivering training materials including presentation materials, training guides/manuals, course evaluations, etc..
• Knowledge of techniques for coordinating training scheduled on training requirements.
• Ability to lead and work within and between engineering teams.
• Ability to work and make decisions independently with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of project management techniques.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of researchers, engineers, and technicians.
• Competence in systems thinking, requirements decomposition, verification and validation, program management, and risk management. Familiarity with implementation of complex systems, research, modeling and simulation.
• Familiarity with fusion energy, high-radiation, and in-vacuum motion systems, is desired.
• Familiarity with Digital/virtual engineering, is desired.

Working Conditions: 

• Primarily on-site work (mostly in office, with some hybrid work optional days).

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.