Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

In this role you would serve as an Instrumentation & Control Engineer working closely with researchers, engineers and technical staff to design, deploy and operate systems used for control, protection and diagnostics for plasma experiments at PPPL as well as both international and national collaborations.

This position will support the design, development, testing and operational phases of projects undertaken at PPPL. It will require the successful candidate to work closely with scientific and other engineering and technical staff to develop novel solutions in support of such projects.

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 role includes hands-on work to test electronics, diagnose failures and render repairs if needed.

The percent breakdown across various duties is:

• Design, Maintain and Support instrumentation and control systems: 60%
• Daily operation and maintenance of Control and Monitoring Systems: 15%
• Develop Diagrams, Drawings and Documentation for systems developed: 10%
• Embedded device development and support: 15%

Education and Experience: 

• BS or above in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related discipline. 
• Candidate should have 2+ years of relevant work experience in a professional environment. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• The successful candidate has diversified knowledge of principles and practices in engineering instrumentation & control systems. They must be familiar with the technology commonplace in the instrumentation and control space. This includes software, design tools and underlying operating systems like MS Windows and Linux.
• They must be a team player with the ability to communicate ideas effectively to others with varying levels of technical skills and work with a diverse set of scientists, engineers and technical staff with varying backgrounds. They communicate designs through presentations and be comfortable providing material for reviews.
• The successful candidate will have experience with the following:
  • Hardware interfacing and control
  • Embedded controls/programming, including data acquisition, triggering and storage
  • Communication protocols such as TCP, UDP, Modbus, OPC
  • Software languages such as Python, C++, Labview
  • Software version control and configuration management
  • Requirements definition, creation of hardware and software design documents, test design and system integration
• The ideal candidate would also have experience in the following areas:
  • Linux system administration
  • Ansible, Docker
  • SCADA programs such as EPICS
  • Database management and administration, eg SQL, HDF5 or MDSplus
  • Software CI/CD tools and techniques
  • Developing FPGA code and test benches using tools such as verilog
  • PCB design software such as Altium
• Physical Requirements: 
  
  • Primarily office work and occasional hands-on technical work. 

Working Conditions: 

• This position is on-site at PPPL. 

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.