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!

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

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 systems, including AC/DC rectification.
• Experience with PLC-based controls, analog and digital circuitry, and FPGA-based systems.
• Experience with LabView software is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment managing multiple tasks, projects, and priorities.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, including the ability to prepare technical reports, deliver presentations, and explain technical information.
• Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational and maintenance procedures, one-line diagrams, control wiring drawings (CWD), schematics, and logic diagrams is required.
• Awareness of National Electric Code (NEC).
• Working knowledge and practical experience with Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) in accordance with NFPA 70E including safing of capacitor banks is beneficial.

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 industrial hazards such as potential oxygen deficiency, high noise, confined spaces, elevations, radiation, 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.
• May involve work in confined spaces, use of fall protection, other job-specific PPE.
• This position is NOT supporting those who require visa sponsorship.

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 : $90,600 - $144,600