Expert Magnet Engineer

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2021-13810
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Engineering

Princeton University

Overview

PPPL’s Engineering includes a number of multidisciplinary teams focused on developing and delivering challenging engineering solutions for fusion and advancing the state-of-the-art technologies for magnetic confinement plasma physics research devices around the world. We specialize in high-field magnets, diagnostics, and plasma facing components for nuclear fusion experiments at PPPL and collaborator facilities world-wide. The core competencies of PPPL Magnet Engineering include the design and implementation of compact fusion coil systems, coil system fault protection, high current power supply systems for coil testing, development of electro-mechanical systems in high density plasma environments (plasma and coil electromagnetic interactions), magnet system insulations, metrology for coil alignments, and in-vacuum coil system design and protection devices.

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a world-class fusion energy research laboratory managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. PPPL is dedicated to developing the scientific and technological knowledge base for fusion energy. The Laboratory advances the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics research to develop the scientific understanding and key innovations needed to realize fusion as an energy source for the world.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Develop innovative solutions to challenging magnet engineering problems
• Lead the design, fabrication, qualification, and installation of high reliability conventional and/or superconducting fusion reactor magnet coils and systems.
• Develop magnet design and coil acceptance criteria to ensure structural integrity and electrical performance, for reliable operation over machine lifetime.
• Direct a project team, including engineers and technicians, to deliver the magnet systems required by future PPPL development programs.
• Perform coupled mechanical/electromagnetic analysis of magnet systems in fusion devices such as NSTX-U and next confinement facilities such as Fusion Pilot Plant (FPP).
• Carry out the process of designing, documenting, and reviewing engineering calculations.
• Perform tolerance analysis, risk assessments to ensure no gaps between design and fabrication
• Prepare cost and schedule estimates for the development of coils and magnet systems
• Oversee and/or supervise the fabrication, assembly, installation and commissioning of integrated coil systems
• Write technical specifications such as design description documents and coil design load specifications to establish design and acceptance criteria for magnet coils
• Develop partnership for prototype coil evaluation with coil vendors and other national labs to mitigate risks associated with fabrication and coil commissioning

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or a related field.
• Professional experience, 10-15 years (inclusive of post-BS academic experience), extensive experience in large scale magnet design (or a related application), fabrication and testing, preferably in a scientific or R&D environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Prior demonstration of creativity, foresight, and mature professional judgement
  • anticipating and solving unprecedented magnet design, fabrication and implementation problems
  • determining project objectives and requirements
  • developing standards and guidelines for diverse engineering, computing, and scientific activities.
• Knowledge of precedents in the field of fusion magnet engineering and of the principles and practices of related disciplines.
• Prior experience supervising coil (or a related application) design engineers.
• Technical competence in the mechanical and electrical engineering of fusion magnet systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the standard fusion magnet engineering principles and procedures for electromagnet design.
• Fluency with analytical solutions; mechanical, thermal and electrical, for simple geometries
• Proficiency with 3D modelling/CAD tools for the development/review of fabrication drawings.
• Ability to develop magnet design requirements from the results of systems code analysis of core plasma equilibrium scenarios for the next confinement facilities such as FPP.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of researchers, engineers, and technicians

Working Conditions:

• Primarily on-site work (mostly in office, with some field work) with occasional conference or review travel (1-2 weeks per year).
• During the Pandemic, most in-office work has been replaced by tele-working.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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. EEO IS THE LAW

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.

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