Fluid Systems Group Lead

Provide technical expertise and managerial leadership for all systems assigned to the Fluid Systems Group (Cooling Water, Cryogenics, Liquids, and Gas) supporting experimental operations. This role is responsible for the overall technical integrity, safe operation, maintenance, and strategic development of assigned staff and systems.

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: 

This position presently supports National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) fluid systems, however support of other experiments at PPPL is expected. 

Fluid Engineering (60%):

• Provide technical leadership on operations, maintenance, and configuration management for experimental operations.
• Lead specification of system upgrades, life extension, and modernization, including managing scope, budget, and schedule.
• Provide design support for corrective maintenance of system components, including piping, pumps, valves, relief devices, and heat exchangers.
• Prepare and maintain engineering calculations and systems models (eg – AFT Arrow and Fathom) to support system control and automation, understand performance limitations, document operational limits, and set alarm thresholds.
• Maintain procedures for operation and maintenance of assigned systems, including maintenance and inspection plans.
• Evaluate data collected during testing, commissioning, and operations to make recommendations for improved design or operational practices.

Group Management and Leadership (20%):

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of engineers and technical support staff, setting goals and performing performance appraisals.

• Manage budget, resources, and schedules, and apply documentation and procedural standards.

• Plan, organize, and supervise daily work, estimate personnel needs and schedule work to meet complex completion deadlines on assigned projects.

• Foster a culture of responsibility, delegation of tasks, active mentoring, and professional communication.

• Ensure the safety and safety compliance of all assigned staff and maintain constant vigilance for potential safety hazards in restricted and potentially dangerous areas.

• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

   

Engineering Operations Support (20%):

• 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 field with 12+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 10+ years of related experience.
• Progressive supervisory, technical, and project management responsibilities, demonstrating the ability to work and make decisions with limited supervision.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Experience with industrial fluid systems equipment including pumps, valves, piping, control systems, and water chemistry is required.
• Experience with preventative maintenance of pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and pressure relief devices, including experience developing and implementing comprehensive maintenance programs for plant systems is required.
• 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.
• Knowledge of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
• Working knowledge of ASME B31.1 and B31.3.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including proficiency with office suites like MS Office and MS Excel or Google Workspace.

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. Staff in the group may potentially provide 24/7 coverage in support of experimental operations and maintaining routine communication and supervision with all assigned staff is required.
• 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.