Cryogenics Engineer

The Cryogenics Engineer will provide engineering support for life cycle maintenance, operation, and repair of cryogenic systems and other fluid service systems at PPPL.

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: 

Cryogenics and Fluid Services Engineering (80%):

• Define and oversee maintenance, testing, and repair activities on cryogenic and fluid service systems.
• Develop procedures, specifications, drawings, and training material to ensure safe and reliable operation during the systems life cycle.
• Prepare and maintain engineering calculations, systems models, and maintenance plans.
• Define and maintain spare parts inventory.
• Oversee operator training, operations and troubleshooting in support of experimental plasma research.
• Lead or direct assigned technical support and engineering staff.
• Ensure procedures, drawings, and other technical documents associated with the system are accurate and current per management of change and configuration management processes.
• This position will primarily support National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) systems, however support of other experiments at PPPL is expected.

Engineering Operations Support (20%):

• The incumbent will be expected to train for operational roles such as NSTX-U Chief Operations Engineer (COE).
• Coordinate the startup, routine operation, and shutdown of numerous high power one-of-a-kind pressure, vacuum, and electrical systems.
• Coordinate operation of the NSTX-U device, including initiating each “pulse”.
• Ensure operations stay within safety basis parameters defined for the facility.
• Respond to fault conditions for NSTX-U operations and safety envelopes.
• Assure proper conduct of operations communications across the operating team.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, or related engineering discipline required. Master’s degree with a specialization in cryogenic engineering preferred.
• 8+ years’ work experience in an industrial, military, or experimental research environment.
• 5+ years’ work experience in the engineering and operations of cryogenic systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Process experience, preferably with a cryogenic plant, is required.
• Experience with preventative maintenance of pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and pressure relief devices, including experience developing and implementing comprehensive maintenance programs for mechanical utility systems is required.
• Experience with mechanical utility systems such as vacuum, compressed gases, or SF6 is beneficial.
• Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational, maintenance and installation procedures, piping and instrumentation drawings (P&IDs), and process flow diagrams is required.
• Experience with cryogenic plant simulation and modeling is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
• Knowledge of ASME B31.1 and B31.3.
• Knowledge of automated logic control systems.
• Demonstrated technical writing and spreadsheet skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse array of individuals, from maintenance crews to research collaborators is required.
• Ability to interface effectively with a wide range of scientific and technical personnel.

Certificates and Licenses: 

• PE license is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements: 

• Full or fully corrected vision, correct depth and color perception, occasional close work, work in low light conditions.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Full hand, arm and leg mechanical dexterity and coordination.
• Ability to work near static magnetic fields without medical restrictions.
• Capable of climbing ladders, continuous walking, standing or sitting.
• Will work in environments with industrial hazards such as potential oxygen deficiency, high noise, confined spaces, elevations, radiation, and where electrically/mechanically energized equipment may be present.
• Routinely wear protective clothing and equipment, primarily hardhats, safety glasses, and electrical PPE.

Working Conditions: 

• Most work will be done at the PPPL shops and laboratories, though vendor visits may be required when supporting ongoing projects.
• Work will generally be 1st shift, though 2nd shift work may be required depending on facility schedules. Start time will typically vary between 6 am and 7 am.
• On-call duties requiring occasional off-hours response to emergency or alarm conditions.
• May involve work in confined spaces, use of fall protection, other job-specific PPE.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

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.