Heating Systems Group Lead

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is seeking to fill a Heating Systems Group Lead position. This position will provide technical expertise and managerial leadership for all staff and systems assigned to the Heating Systems Group. These include multi‑megawatt neutral beam injection systems and radio frequency (RF) auxiliary heating and pre‑ionization systems. 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!

This group lead will primarily support PPPLs flagship experiment, the National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U), particul­ary the heating and current drive systems though 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 ion sources, beamlines (dumps, calorimeters, and neutralizers), tetrode and klystron based power supplies, transmission lines, and matching networks.
• Prepare and maintain engineering calculations and systems models 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) and Neutral Beam Operations Supervisor.
• 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…