Fluid Systems Group Lead

Department: PPPL Engineering
Category: Engineering
Job Type: Full-Time

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.

• 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 (e.g., 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.

• 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.

• 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…