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!

We are not supporting visa or relocation for this position.

This position primarily supports National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) wall conditioning systems; support of other experiments at PPPL is also expected.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Experience with vacuum and gas injection systems including pumps, valves, piping, and control systems.
• Experience with preventative maintenance of vacuum pumps, valves, and pressure relief devices, including experience developing and implementing comprehensive maintenance programs.
• Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational and maintenance procedures, piping and instrumentation drawings (P&IDs), and process flow diagrams.
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as Pro-E or Solid Works.
• 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.

• 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…