Electrical Engineer - Power Distribution Systems

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is seeking an Electrical Engineer - Power Distribution Systems to join our Facilities Engineering team. This engineer will have experience in power distribution design, procurement, commissioning, operation, and management.

This position is responsible for the operations, performance, and maintenance of the power systems and will participate in the design and specification of medium and low voltage power distribution systems (typical of large industrial facilities), overseeing activities of engineering subcontractors, construction subcontractors, and equipment suppliers. Additional activiries will include troubleshooting, modification, commissioning in support of operations, and project upgrades at PPPL involving power systems such as distribution, switchgear, controls, and relay protection. 

PPPL is 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!

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Core Duties: 

The Electrical Engineer - Power Distribution Systems will be a contributing member of the PPPL Facilities Engineering team by partnering with a facilities operations, project managers, construction managers, end user clients, and a diverse team of project stakeholders.

Candidates with experience in all, or a subset of the following responsibilities:

• Maintain cognizance over all the PPPL electrical distribution systems including 138kV, 26.4kV, 13.8kV 4.16kV and 480V systems including emergency / optional standby systems such as uninterruptable power supplies and generators.
• Respond to emergencies and other unplanned events affecting power systems during normal and off hours.
• Participate in the design and specification of medium and low voltage power distribution systems typical of large industrial facilities.
• Oversee the activities of various technicians, engineering subcontractors, construction subcontractors, and equipment suppliers.
• Provide oversight of equipment: ensuring routine maintenance for transformers, switchgear, and motor control centers.
• Update and maintain written procedures, specifications, SOWs (Statements of Work), and Job Plans for related work.
• Establish strong, technically detailed, and daily communications with PPPL Engineering Group through all phases of project delivery.
• Perform detailed review of design documents for conformance with PPPL Standards and other applicable requirements.
• Advocate on behalf of facilities operations and maintenance to identify areas of meaningful improvement to the PPPL Standards.
• Oversight of building electrical infrastructure, standby power systems, testing, and energization.
• Knowledge and support in design, delivery, and commissioning of electrical metering and energy management systems.
• Liaiase with facility operations and maintenance staff and their subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Bring experience in the development and execution of QA/QC workflows on electrical systems, and act as a primary PPPL representative in these efforts.
• Develop electrical engineering options for problems and be capable of quantifying price and schedule impacts for each.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
• At least five years’ experience in the design and specification of power systems equipment in a utility, industrial, or in a scientific research environment. This includes power distribution, motor controls, program logic controller (PLC), relay controls, advanced metering, and variable speed drives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Proficiency in power systems analysis using SKM PowerTools.
• Must be able to run load flow, short circuit and arch flash analysis using this platform to maintain and update the lab’s arc flash and protective coordination analysis and provide the engineering oversight to keep PPPL in compliance with NFPA 70E and OSHA Guidelines.
• Understanding of power system relay protection and implement upgrades and modifications.
• Ability to interpret electrical construction documents and understand applicable codes.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a wide range of scientific and technical personnel and willingness to work on all aspects of a project, including the supervision of technical staff, engineering subcontractors, and electrical contractors.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, NETA, IEEE, ANSI.
• Technical proficiency with MS Office, Google Suite, and AutoCAD.

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Professional Electrical Engineer licensed in New Jersey or Engineering in Training (EIT) with goal to obtain Profeesional Engineering (PE) license.

Physical Requirements: 

• Routine exposure to support - service areas including boiler plants, mechanical spaces, and areas where building infrastructure and operating systems as contained both inside and outdoors.
• The examination of these spaces requires bending, stooping, and climbing around moderate system components, use of ladders and devices to access systems and work at heights.

Working Conditions: 

• This position is onsite five days a week, M-F. 
• Will need to respond to emergencies and other unplanned events affecting power systems during normal and off or weekend hours
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

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.