Fueling and Wall Conditioning Engineer

Provide engineering support for life cycle maintenance, operation, and upgrade of wall conditioning systems including boronization, glow discharge cleaning, and lithium evaporators. This role is responsible for the overall technical integrity, safe operation, and maintenance of assigned 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 primarily supports National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) wall conditioning systems, however support of other experiments at PPPL is expected.

Wall Conditioning Engineering (100%):

• Provide technical oversight of operations, maintenance, and configuration management for experimental operations; define and oversee maintenance, testing, and repair activities on assigned systems.
• Develop and maintain procedures, specifications, maintenance and inspection plans, drawings, and training material to ensure safe and reliable operation during the systems life cycle.
• Define and maintain spare parts inventory.
• Provide design support for corrective maintenance of system components, including vacuum pumps, gas manifolds, power supplies, and relief devices.
• Prepare and maintain engineering calculations and systems models to support system control and automation, understand performance limitations, document operational limits, and set alarm thresholds.
• Oversee operator training, operations and troubleshooting in support of experimental operations.
• Evaluate data collected during testing, commissioning, and operations to make recommendations for improved design or operational practices.

Engineering Operations Support: 

• May be requested 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 field with 6+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 4+ years of related experience.
• 3+ years work experience in the engineering and operations of wall conditioning systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Experience with vacuum and gas injection systems including pumps, valves, piping, and control systems is required.
• Experience with preventative maintenance of vacuum pumps, valves, and pressure relief devices, including experience developing and implementing comprehensive maintenance programs is required.
• Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational and maintenance procedures, piping and instrumentation drawings (P&IDs), and process flow diagrams is required.
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as Pro-E or SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including proficiency with office suites like MS Office and MS Excel or Google Workspace.

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 section may potentially provide two-shift 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 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.

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.