Division Director for Engineering - Design, Analysis, and CAD (DAC)

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 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.

PPPL conducts research and development across a broad fusion and plasma science portfolio, including magnetic confinement fusion, liquid metal plasma-facing and blanket technologies, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet systems, advanced materials, and integrated engineering solutions. These efforts support PPPL’s mission as well as fusion programs and facilities throughout the United States and around the world.

PPPL is also a key partner in the DOE’s Genesis Mission, a national initiative, to accelerate scientific discovery and engineering through the application of advanced artificial intelligence. Through Genesis, PPPL applies AI to fusion research, design, operations, and data analysis to improve performance, accelerate development, and enable next-generation fusion systems.

The Engineering Department at PPPL is a multidisciplinary team focused on developing the engineering designs for and advancing the state-of-the-art for magnetic confinement plasma physics research devices around the world. We specialize in diagnostics, high-field magnets, power electronics, heating sources, and plasma facing components for nuclear fusion experiments at PPPL and collaborator facilities world-wide. Mechanical (solid mechanics and fluid dynamics), electromagnetic, thermal, material, and radiation effects and engineering challenges are routinely encountered simultaneously in PPPL engineering 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. The complex coupled-physics nature of fusion devices presents truly unique challenges to the design, analysis, and optimization of these devices.

The Division Director for Design, Analysis, and CAD (DAC) provides technical and functional management of PPPL’s design, analysis, and CAD engineering capabilities and sets the technical and strategic direction for these functional engineering activities. Responsibilities include leading collaborative teams within the Design, Analysis, and CAD groups while interfacing closely with project leadership, other engineering divisions, research staff, and Laboratory management. The successful candidate will bring creativity, foresight, and mature professional judgment in anticipating and solving unprecedented engineering challenges; establishing objectives and requirements for engineering excellence; and enabling successful execution of PPPL’s engineering responsibilities through modern tools, best practices, and continuous improvement.

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: 

• Lead and manage a matrixed, multidisciplinary organization of engineers, analysts, and CAD designers supporting major PPPL fusion projects as well as numerous research programs requiring specialized engineering expertise.
• Establish and execute engineering programs for design, analysis, and CAD activities in accordance with sound engineering principles, PPPL standards, project requirements, and applicable codes and specifications, with a focus on quality, efficiency, and engineering excellence.
• Develop, maintain, and deliver mission-enabling engineering capabilities that support current and future PPPL programs, including fusion devices, advanced materials, magnets, diagnostics, AI-enabled engineering, and emerging initiatives.
• Partner closely with senior laboratory and project leadership to prioritize workloads, allocate resources effectively, and ensure successful execution of all project commitments and strategic initiatives.
• Identify strategic capability and staffing gaps, and implement plans to strengthen core competencies while enabling growth in emerging technical areas and new programs.
• Drive organizational effectiveness and operational improvement by leveraging synergies across engineering disciplines and directorates, promoting consistent standards, shared tools, and best practices.
• Manage staffing and workforce development, ensuring appropriate skill mix, succession planning, preservation of critical institutional knowledge, and long-term sustainability of engineering capabilities.
• Maintain technical excellence across the organization by ensuring subject matter expertise, resolving complex technical issues, advancing engineering processes and tools, supporting new initiatives, and enforcing consistent application of standard engineering practices across all programs.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree (Masters or Ph.D. degree highly preferred) in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field.

• Professional experience, at least 15 years (inclusive of post-BS academic experience), preferably in a scientific or R&D environment.

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of engineering processes, the flowdown of PPPL & DOE requirements, and the interaction of system and subsystem requirements that result in a firm set of engineering performance requirements is considered a plus.

• Demonstrated engineering or scientific leadership experience.

   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential.
• Proven ability to manage resources within a research and design environment to meet cost, schedule, and quality parameters.
• Preferred technical competences in engineering include:
  • Familiarity with system and component designs operating in ultra-high vacuum with loading from magnetic fields, and subjected to high heat fluxes, as well as, processes and issues related to fabricating, testing, and installing such components.
  • Advanced knowledge of metrology and manufacturing processes is beneficial.
• Ability to make decisions independently with limited supervisorial assistance.
• Ability to work and effectively communicate with a diverse group of researchers, engineers, and technicians.

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Professional Engineer license preferred. 

Working Conditions: 

• Primarily on-site work. 
• Ability to work full-time on site. 
• Ability to access all areas of the experimental sites, including climbing stairs and ladders, etc. 
• Exposure to dust, temperature excursions, humidity, monitored low level radiation, noise, household and industrial chemicals, solvents and some fumes. 
• Working near hand tools, powered hand tools, machine shop tools and rotating equipment. 
• Working near moving vehicles, equipment, cranes, hoists, tractor, lifts and forklifts. 

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.