AC Power Branch Electrical Engineer

Requisition # 2026-21511

Date Posted 5 days ago (1/29/2026 11:05 AM)

Department: PPPL Facilities

Category: Facilities Management and Physical Plant

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is seeking a Power 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 AC Power Branch 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.

Standard Weekly Hours 40.00

Eligible for Overtime No

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period 90 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail) No

Physical Capacity Exam Required No

Valid Driver's License Required No

Salary Range $128,800 to $205,800