Neutral Beam Electrical Engineer

Overview

The Neutral Beam (NB) Electrical Engineer will be part of a dedicated team that supports the high voltage (up to 100kV) and high current (4k Amps) DC power conversion systems and related controls for Neutral Beam Heating (a high power, particle beam injection system, used for plasma heating and current drive) for the NSTX‑U experiment. The NB EE will be expected to provide primary engineering support for existing power conversion systems in addition to the design and specification of upgraded pulsed power and power electronics hardware as part of system obsolescence management and continuous improvement for performance and reliability.

The NB EE will also provide engineering knowledge for the operations and maintenance for NB power conversion and RF 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) neutral beam injection systems, however support of other experiments at PPPL is expected.

Heating & Current Drive Engineering: 75%

• Provide engineering support and technical oversight of operations, maintenance, and configuration management for experimental operations; define and oversee maintenance, testing, and repair activities on assigned systems.
• Provide design support for corrective maintenance of system components, including low level electronics equipment, High Voltage Power Systems and electromechanical systems, electronics, and fiber optic telemetry.
• Prepare and maintain engineering calculations and systems analysis utilizing relevant simulation tools (eg SPICE-based, MATLAB) to support system control and automation, understand performance limitations, document operational limits, and set alarm thresholds.
• 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.
• Develop diagrams, drawings and documentation for systems development (statements of work, proposals and system gap analysis).
• Evaluate data collected during testing, commissioning, and operations to make recommendations for improved design or operational practices.
• Provide solutions to problems of moderate complexity involving the electrical performance of system components under dynamic electrical loads.

Engineering Operations Support: 25%

• Will train for operational roles such as NSTX‑U Neutral Beam Operations Supervisor.
• Coordinate the startup, routine operation, and shutdown of the neutral beam injection system (NBIS).
• Coordinate operation of the NBIS, including coordination of NB Ion Source Operators.
• 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 assigned operating team.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering or equivalent with 5-7 years of relevant work experience, or a Master’s degree with 3-5 relevant work experience.
• Relevant work experience in an experimental or production facility designing, developing, and testing analog and digital circuits within complex electrical systems in areas such as aeronautics, power industry, military experience, vehicle design, etc.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of, and practical experience with high-voltage/pulsed power…