Electrical Engineer

Overview

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is seeking a Electrical Engineer with experience in design, procurement, commissioning, operation, and management of electrical power systems and associated equipment to join our staff in the Facilities Engineering Division.

The successful candidate is responsible for the operations, performance and maintenance of the facilities power system and will participate in the design and specification of Medium and Low Voltage AC power distributions typical of large industrial facilities, overseeing the activities of engineering subcontractors, construction subcontractors and equipment suppliers. Additional activities will include the troubleshooting, modification, commissioning in support of operations and project upgrades at PPPL involving distribution systems, switchgear, controls, and relay protection.

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!

Responsibilities

Core Duties: 

The Electrical Engineer will be a contributing member of the PPPL Facilities Engineering team by partnering with a facilities operation, project managers, construction managers, end user clients and a diverse team of project stakeholders.

Candidates with experience in all, or a subset of the following responsibilities:

• Maintain cognizance over all the PPPL electrical distribution systems including 138kV, 26.4kV, 13.8kV 4.16kV and 480V systems including emergency / optional standby systems such as uninterruptable power supplies and generators.
• Respond to emergencies and other unplanned events affecting the power system during normal and off hours.
• Participate in the design and specification of medium and Low Voltage power distributions systems typical of large industrial facilities.
• Oversee the activities of the Facilities AC Power Branch technicians, engineering subcontractors, construction subcontractors and equipment suppliers.
• Provide oversight of AC Power Branch equipment; ensuring routine maintenance for transformers, switchgear and motor control centers.
• Update and maintain written procedures, specifications, SOWs (Statements of Work), and Job Plans for AC Power related work.
• Establish strong, technically detailed, and daily communications with PPPL’s Engineering Group through all phases of project delivery.
• Perform detailed review of design documents for conformance with PPPL Standards and other applicable requirements.
• Advocate on behalf of facilities operations and maintenance to identify areas of meaningful improvement to the PPPL Standards.
• Firsthand oversight of building electrical infrastructure, standby power systems, testing and energization.
• Knowledge and support in design, delivery and commissioning of electrical metering and energy management systems.
• Be a liaison to facility operations and maintenance staff and their subject matter experts.
• Bring experience in the development and execution of AC Power QA/QC workflows on electrical systems, and act as a primary PPPL representative in these efforts.
• Develop electrical engineering options for problems and be capable of quantifying price and schedule impacts for each.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor of Science degree Electrical Engineering.
• Five years’ experience in the design and specification of electrical power systems equipment in a utility, industrial or in scientific research environment including power distribution, motor controls, PLC and relay controls, advanced metering, and variable speed drives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Shall have proficiency in power systems analysis using SKM PowerTools. Shall be able to run load flow, short circuit and arch flash analysis using this platform to maintain and update the lab’s arc flash and protective coordination analysis and provide the engineering oversight to keep PPPL in compliance with NFPA 70E and OSHA Guidelines.
• Understand Power system relay protection and implement upgrades and modifications.
• Ability to interpret electrical construction documents and understand applicable codes.
• Strong technical proficiency with MS Office, Google Suite, and AutoCAD.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a wide range of scientific and technical personnel and willingness to work on all aspects of a project, including the supervision of AC Power Branch technician staff, engineering subcontractor and electrical contractors.
• Codes and Standards Familiarity: NEC, NFPA 70E, NETA, IEEE, ANSI.

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Professional Electrical Engineer licensed in New Jersey or EIT with goal to obtain PE license.

Physical Requirements: 

• Routine exposure to support - service areas including boiler plants, mechanical spaces and areas where building infrastructure and operating systems as contained both inside and outdoors. At times, the examination of these spaces requires bending, stooping, and climbing around moderate system components, use of ladders and devices to access systems and work at heights.

Working Conditions: 

• Respond to emergencies and other unplanned events affecting the facility power system during normal and off hours.

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.

Standard Weekly Hours

Eligible for Overtime

Benefits Eligible

Probationary Period

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Physical Capacity Exam Required

Valid Driver's License Required

Salary Range

Salary : $128,800 - $205,800