Water Systems Engineer at Princeton University – Princeton, New Jersey

PPPL his hiring a Water Systems Engineer to provide engineering support for life cycle maintenance, operation, and repair of water systems and other mechanical service systems at PPPL.

Provide engineering support for life cycle maintenance, operation, and repair of water systems and other mechanical service systems at PPPL.

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!

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Water and Mechanical Services Engineering (75%):

• Define and oversee maintenance, testing, and repair activities on water and mechanical service systems.
• Develop procedures, specifications, drawings, and training material to ensure safe and reliable operation during the systems life cycle.
• Oversee operator training, operations and troubleshooting in support of experimental plasma research.
• Ensure procedures, drawings, and other technical documents associated with the system are accurate and current per management of change and configuration management processes.
• This position will primarily support National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) systems, however support of smaller experiments at PPPL like Facility for Laboratory Reconnection Experiments (FLARE) is expected.

Engineering Operations Support (25%):

• The incumbent will be expected to train for operational roles such as NSTX-U Chief Operating Engineer (COE) and D-Site Shift Supervisor (DSSS).
• 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 engineering or other engineering related discipline required.
• 5 or more years of work experience in an industrial, military, or national lab experimental research environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work with a diverse array of individuals, from maintenance crews to research collaborators is required.
• Knowledge of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) is desirable.
• Knowledge of ASME B31.1, B31.3, and BPVC Sections VII, IX, and XIII is highly desirable.
• Experience with deionized water systems is desirable.
• Experience with preventative maintenance of pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and pressure relief devices is highly desirable.
• Experience with mechanical utility systems such as vacuum, compressed gasses, or SF6 is beneficial.
• Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational, maintenance and installation procedures and P&IDs is required.
• Ability to interface effectively with a wide range of scientific and technical personnel.

Certificates and Licenses

• PE license is desirable.

Physical Requirements

• 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 static magnetic fields without medical restrictions.
• Capable of climbing ladders, continuous walking, standing or sitting.
• Will work in environments with normal industrial hazards such as confined spaces, elevations, and where electrically/mechanically energized equipment may be present.
• Routinely wear protective clothing and equipment, primarily hardhats, safety glasses, and electrical PPE.

Working Conditions

• Most work will be done at the PPPL shops and laboratories, though vendor visits may be required when supporting ongoing projects.
• Work will generally be 1st shift, though 2nd shift work may be required depending on facility schedules. Start time will typically vary between 6 am and 7 am.
• Occasional off-hours response to emergency or alarm conditions required.
• May involve work in confined spaces, use of fall protection, other job-specific PPE.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer 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.