Deputy Director for Diagnostics Engineering

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2021-13435
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Engineering

Princeton University

Overview

The Engineering Department at PPPL is a multidisciplinary team focused on developing the engineering designs for, and advancing the state-of-the-art of, magnetic confinement plasma physics research devices around the world. We specialize in diagnostics, high-field magnets, heating sources, and plasma facing components for nuclear fusion experiments at PPPL and collaborator facilities world-wide. Mechanical (solid mechanics and fluid dynamics), electromagnetic, thermal, and material engineering challenges, and radiation effects are routinely encountered simultaneously in PPPL engineering diagnostics projects. PPPL engineers develop novel solutions to the engineering challenges of fusion and plasma physics and collaborate with the Research team to develop new research directions, core capabilities, and experimental devices.

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) 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, the processes that power the stars, as an energy source for the world.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Apply an extensive knowledge of principles and practices for fusion plasma diagnostics to diagnostic design and implementation.
• Provide technical direction and oversight to all PPPL diagnostic design teams, supporting internal and external collaborator led design, development, installation and operation of fusion plasma diagnostics.
• Guide diagnostic design teams in the preparation of Project Execution Plans and managing work to that plan, including cost and schedule.
• Review all engineering plasma diagnostic design work at the conceptual, preliminary, and final design levels of maturity.
• Work with the ALD for Engineering to ensure that all diagnostics work is done effectively and in compliance with applicable procedures.
• Provide strategic staffing input to Engineering line management to enhance PPPL capabilities in fusion plasma diagnostics development.
• Mentor PPPL engineers in fusion plasma diagnostics.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in Engineering.
• Professional experience, at least 15 years (inclusive of post-BS academic experience), preferably in a scientific or R&D environment.
• At least three years of experience in an engineering leadership role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Design and implementation of diagnostics for fusion experiments or similar scientific instrumentation on large research facilities such as accelerators.
• Knowledge of techniques for diagnostic measurements.
• Ability to lead engineering teams.
• Ability to work and make decisions independently with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of project management techniques.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of researchers, engineers, and technicians.
• Competence in electromagnetic and mechanical modeling and analysis.
• Familiarity with fusion energy, high-vacuum, high heat-flux, high-radiation, and in-vacuum motion systems, is desired.

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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