Cryogenics/Superconducting Magnet Technician Apprenticeship

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Apprenticeship is the first-in-the-nation registered apprenticeship program in fusion energy and engineering. It is designed to equip the next generation of technicians with the skills necessary to help build and operate a fusion energy experiment.

A PPPL Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway for high school graduates, veterans, and others looking to join this exciting endeavor. The Cryogenics/Superconducting magnet apprentice program shall be considered completed when the apprentice has satisfactorily completed each of the competencies listed below and the related technical instruction. The program leads to a portable, nationally recognized credential and a possible career at our national laboratory. The apprentice will receive pay and benefits, as well as all the RTI is fully paid for by PPPL.

Are you interested in joining the world's brightest talent on solving some of the world’s grandest scientific challenges of the 21st century? Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is doing just that! Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. 

PPPL apprenticeship website: https://www.pppl.gov/work-with-us/apprenticeships Questions can be sent to apprenticeship@pppl.gov.

High temperature superconductors (HTS) are identified as the potential “game changer” for reducing fusion device size by increasing the allowable magnetic field, current density, and operating temperature. The use of high performance superconducting magnets for higher fusion power density is necessary both to improve magnet efficiency and to increase integrated system performance in a compact fusion power plant design concept. HTS magnets for fusion are multidisciplinary in nature. Training of the next generation workforce involves highly specialized skill sets and in-depth knowledge and experience in superconductivity, materials science, nuclear engineering as well as cryogenics, and related very low temperature processes such as advanced refrigeration and cryogenic cooling techniques.

A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!

Core Duties

• The Cryogenic and superconducting magnet technician apprentice program shall be considered completed when the apprentice has satisfactorily completed all the below areas and RTI. The apprentice(s) shall be rotated through the following
  work processes. With the sponsor making work assignments based on the approximate hours specified in each of the work processes.

Areas

Cryogenics and Supercoducting Magnets

• Assemble, test, and maintain cryostats, cryocoolers, vacuum systems, and other cryogenic equipment used in superconducting magnet systems.
• Wind various types of superconducting coils according to specifications using coil winders.
• Test superconducting magnets at cryogenic temperatures using cryogenic gas or liquid helium and nitrogen.
• Maintain detailed records of coil fabrication and cryogenic system performance.

Technician Basic Skills

Laboratory System Application and Procedures (Electrical and Mechanical)

• Demonstrate ability to operate various types of experimental apparatus (vacuum, electronic, magnetic, etc.)
• Demonstrate ability to follow written procedures.
• Demonstrate ability to record and analyze experimental and test data.

Testing Equipment

• Demonstrate ability to use multimeter for testing, de-energization, and troubleshooting of systems (AC/DC voltages, current, resistance, capacitance).
• Demonstrate ability to use oscilloscopes to test and record data, and troubleshoot circuits (electrical waves, DC pulses, frequencies, electrical noise, etc.).
• Demonstrate ability to use Gauss meters for measuring magnetic fields.
• Demonstrate use of thermocouples and associated sensors to monitor temperature and levels of cryogens (helium, nitrogen, etc.) using the Data Acquisition System.

Installation Lab Equipment and Systems

• Demonstrate ability to install mechanical devices (vacuum components, gas systems, water systems).
• Demonstrate ability to install/implement electronics (control systems, monitoring devices, etc.).
• Demonstrate ability to install various types of magnetic coil assemblies.

Maintenance and Repairs

• Demonstrate ability to repair lab equipment (vacuum, gas, electronic, cryogenic).
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain and perform preventative maintenance of Vacuum, cryogenic, and electrical systems.
• Demonstrate ability to maintain and repair superconducting magnets.
• Demonstrate ability to maintain and repair various types and components of cryogenic systems.

Industrial (Laboratory) Electronic Circuit Applications

• Demonstrate knowledge and application of electronic circuits and systems (Personnel Safety Systems, interlocks, control systems).

Soldering

• Demonstrate ability solder and desolder electronic circuits.
• Demonstrate ability to solder various types of magnet conductors.
• Demonstrate ability to study, test, and measure solder joints for resistivity and conductivity.

Drawing and CAD (Electrical and Mechanical)

• Demonstrate ability to create, revise, and modify mechanical, electrical, and electronic drawings.

Related Technical Instruction:

Classroom training per Raritan Valley Community College and Mercer County Community College (432 hours):

Croygenics Certificate - 250 hours

Electrical Systems

• Electrical Units 101
• Safety for Electrical Work 111
• Introduction to Circuits 201
• Introduction to Magnetism 211
• DC Circuit Components 221
• AC Fundamentals 241
• Electrical Print Reading 261
• DC Power Sources 271
• AC Power Sources 281
• Series Circuit Calculations 301
• Parallel Circuit Calculations 311

Hydraulics and Pneumatics

• Introduction to Fluid Systems 101
• Introduction to Hydraulic Components 221
• Introduction to Pneumatic Components 231
• Pneumatic Power Variables 311
• Pneumatic Power Sources 312
• Pneumatic Control Valves 351
• Pneumatic Schematics and Basic Circuit Design 352

Inspection

• Basic Measurement 101
• Blueprint Reading 131
• Types of Prints & Engineering Drawings 132
• Introduction to GD&T 301
• Major Rules of GD&T 311
• GD&T Applications 312

Lean

• Lean Manufacturing Overview 101
• Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
• Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
• Developing a Lean Culture 135
• Total Productive Maintenance 141
• SPC Overview 211
• Total Quality Management Overview 261

NIMS

• NIMS Core Measurement and materials Skills 211

Quality

• Quality Overview 111
• ISO 9001:2015 Review 122

Safety

• Introduction to OSHA 101
• Personal Protective Equipment 111
• SDS and Hazard Communication 151
• OSHA Hazard Communication Labels Overview 152
• Hazardous Materials Handling 155
• Bloodborne Pathogens 161

Shop Essentials (Applied Mathematics)

• Math Fundamentals 101
• Applied and Engineering Sciences 110
• Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
• Shop Geometry Overview 170
• Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
• Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
• Algebra(needs to be added)

Soldering

• What is Soldering?110
• Safety for Soldering 115
• Soldering Equipment 130
• Soldering Applications 200
• Solder and Flux Selection 210

American Vacuum Society Short Course - Fundamentals of Vacuum - 40 hours

• Understand vacuum fundamentals essential to operating, maintaining, designing, or using vacuum systems.
• Know the working principles and limitations of pumps, gauges, and other vacuum system components.
• Understand the procedures for operating and performing preventive maintenance on vacuum systems, including analyzing and troubleshooting malfunctioning vacuum systems and leak detection.
• Learn the design concepts involved in matching equipment and instrumentation to applications.

Cryogenic Engineering and Safety Course - 40 hours

• Fundamental thermodynamics
• Thermodynamic foundation of cryogenics
• How to apply thermodynamics to real systems
• Fluid properties
• Cryogenic fluids properties
• How to use the thermodynamic charts
• Thermal stratification and cool down
• Materials properties
• What materials are acceptable at low temperatures
• Why materials fail at low temperatures
• How thermal and electrical properties change
• How superconductivity works
• Cryogenic instrumentation
• Temperature, sensors, flow
• Liquid level measurement
• Cryogenic equipment systems and storage vessels
• Insulation compressors, expanders, heat exchangers
• Transfer lines, cryogenic valves, relief valves and other components
• Cryogenic design principles
• Basic design practice for cryogenics, including vessel design
• Heat leak & insulation
• Piping design principles and design pitfalls
• Cryocoolers, refrigeration and liquefaction
• How cryogenic refrigeration cycles work
• How J-T cycles and expander cycles are different
• How to use the cycle analysis on real systems
• How regenerative cycles, pulse tubes, and cryocoolers work
• Cryogenic safety and core cryogenic safety
• High pressure gas hazards
• Safety in Liquid Nitrogen, Hydrogen, and Oxygen Systems
• BLEVE and accident case studies
• Vacuum technology
• Out-gassing, permeation, and leaks
• Vacuum-friendly material

Graduate Course Magnetics (PPPL) - 80 hours

• Introduction to Superconductivity
• Low temperature superconductors-materials and properties
• High Temperature Superconductors-Materials and properties
• Superconducting magnets- types, properties, materials, magnetic fields and units of measurement

Cryogenic Society of America short courses - 24 hours

• Cryocooler fundamentals-applications, operating principles and design
• Aspects of Cryocooler design
• Cool Fuel- Science and engineering of cryogenic hydrogen
• Intro to dilution refrigeration
• Practical cryogenic thermometry and instrumentation

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent by the start of the program.
• No experience needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Passionate, dedicated, motivated, time management, problem solving, team player, ready to learn and be challenged.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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.

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.