Electrician Apprentice for Experimental Power

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 “electrician apprentice for experimental power” program shall be considered completed when the apprentice has satisfactorily completed the required OJT hours and RTI hours successfully. 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 Related Technical Instruction (RTI) is fully paid for by PPPL.

The Electrician Apprentice for Experimental Power will work with the Lead Electrician to support installations, modifications, troubleshooting, and maintenance of AC power distribution equipment to provide power to various experimental devices and systems within the laboratory. The successful candidate will gain valuable hands-on experience while ensuring all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Lab safety protocols.

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

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 Electrical Apprentice Program shall be considered complete upon the apprentice's satisfactory conclusion of approximately four years of specified on-the-job training (OJT) and related study, comprising 8,000 hours of OJT and 576 hours of classroom instruction. These OJT requirements will be fulfilled in collaboration with a mentor and trainers, with practical application occurring through real assignments within the department.

OJT Areas:

• Plan layout of construction installation, repairs and record keeping.
• Installations/Repairs.
• Testing.
• Inspections.
• Repair electrical equipment.

Some examples of what tasks in these areas are:

• Assist in the installation, modification, troubleshooting, and maintenance of AC power (typically up to 277/480V) distribution equipment in accordance with all applicable codes, including but not limited to cabling, conduit, cable tray, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, motor starters and VFD’s.
• Aid lead electrician in troubleshooting and testing electrical equipment using devices such as multimeters, insulation resistance testers (meggers), and dielectric withstand testers (hi-potters).
• Assist in the development of the Bill of Materials(BOM) for electrical projects and perform receipt inspections for verification of parts received.
• Follows safe practices such as: being aware of workplace hazards/job specific hazards, following the JHA (Job Hazard Analysis), and having relevant up to date work permits.
• Adhere strictly to the Lab safety policies by keeping training current, such as: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), EUT (Electric Utilization Training), NEC (National Electric Code) and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Education and Experience: 

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent by the start of the program.

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  No experience needed.

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  The program will enroll the successful candidate into Mercer County Technical School for the required Related Technical Instruction (RTI). If you are already in a similar course you can possibly be credited for those courses towards the program.

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  High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

• Enrollment in an accredited Electrician Apprentice program or a technical/trade school electrical program is highly preferred.

• Prior experience in a construction, general labor, or industrial environment is a plus.

   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

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

Below are some areas that this apprenticeship will cover, it is not required to have former knowledge or experience in these skills, however it would be beneficial to have some general knowledge going into the program.

• Reading and understanding technical drawings including power system one-line diagrams, circuit schematics, control wiring diagrams and general arrangement drawings.
• Basic understanding of electrical principles, circuits, and safety practices.
• Familiarity with common hand tools and basic power tools used in the electrical trade.
• Strong commitment to safety protocols and procedures, particularly Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) and Electrical safety.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to work in various physical conditions (e.g., confined spaces, heights, varying temperatures).
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Must possess a Real ID valid Driver’s License.

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  It is a plus but not required.

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to work in awkward positions, in narrow or confined spaces, bend, climb, lift and/or move heavy objects up to 50lbs.
• Must be able to climb ladders or stairs to reach objects; comfortable with heights.
• May require frequent kneeling, bending, walking and/or standing for long periods of time.
  

Working Conditions: 

• Fully on-site and work 40 hours. 

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.