Associate Fluid Systems Mechanical Technician

Requisition # 2025-20994

Date Posted 3 days ago(12/15/2025 4:13 PM)

Department: PPPL Engineering

Category: Engineering

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

The Associate Fluid Systems Mechanical Technician is responsible for performing the maintenance, operation and commissioning of various fluid systems including cryogenics, and cooling water. This position will primarily support the National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) cryogenic plant, however support of other experiments and fluid/mechanical systems is expected.

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:

Cryogenic and Fluid Systems Operation (70%)

• Operate the control console for the NSTX-U cryogenic plant, maintaining the system within standard operating parameters, and initiating alarm response procedures if operating parameters fall outside normal ranges or if alarms sound.
• Operate NSTX-U experimental water systems include de-ionized treatment systems, HVAC chilled water systems, and tower water systems.
• Review and revise operations procedures.

Fluid Systems Maintenance (30%)

• Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of fluid system facilities.
• Able to perform more complex and diversified technical tasks utilizing expertise and knowledge acquired. Typically involving set-up of test apparatus, operation of equipment, and evaluation of the performance and reliability of systems and subcomponents.
• Fabricate parts as required using a variety of equipment and tools such as: milling machine, lathe, drill press, band saw, and other industrial tools.
• Assist in the set up and operation of pneumatic, mechanical, and electromechanical assemblies for various fluids systems applications.
• Work closely with scientific staff, engineers and other technical staff.
• Work may involve radiological activated and contaminated equipment and legacy parts.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Candidates must have Mechanical Technology or AA degree with 3 to 5 experience; or no degree and 5+ years of general mechanical experience with automotive, industrial or facility mechanical and electromechanical systems operation and maintenance.
• Experience maintaining components in industrial plant systems including pumps, compressors, and heat exchangers.
• Experience with tubing and piping systems sizing standards and component types, and working with threaded joints, flanged joints and associated sealing, compression fittings, clamped joints, and system instrumentation such as pressure gauges, temperature gauges, vacuum gauges, level probes and flow meters.
• Good mechanical skills, the ability to work with basic hand tools, and familiarity with mechanical drawings and process and instrumentation drawings.
• Ability to use a computer to make changes/adjustments to facility operations (data logging, word processing, and spreadsheets).
• Good communications skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to understand and follow safety principles.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with cryogenic systems and/or large pressurized gas handling systems will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of general vacuum techniques and equipment associated with insulating vacuum systems for cryogenic applications.
• Knowledgeable use of machine shop tools such as drill presses, band saws, lathes, and milling machines.
• Understanding and capabilities to maintain water cooling systems.
• Familiarity with industrial valves, relief valves, and burst disks systems, valve-actuators and preloading of valve stem, set-up, and calibration of valve positioners.
• Experience with rotating machinery and large motors, such as alignment of motors to pump/compressor.
• Training, education, and/or experience with precision mechanical operating systems including rebuilding pumps and compressors.

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:

• Note: The cryogenics system requires 24 hour operation. Therefore, operators would be assigned EITHER 7AM-7PM OR 7PM-7AM. The working rotation is typically  4 days on, 3 days off, 3 days on, 4 days off and then repeat.
• May be required to work rotating shifts, including overtime, weekends and holidays as required per operations run schedule.
• Operation of the local control center and other controls may be for extended or irregular periods of time. Full mental concentration is required for the entire duration of the operator’s shift.
• On-call duties requiring occasional off-hours response to emergency or alarm conditions.
• May involve work in confined spaces, use of fall protection, other job-specific PPE.

Standard Weekly Hours 40.00

Eligible for Overtime Yes

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period 90 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail) No

Physical Capacity Exam Required Yes

Valid Driver's License Required No

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Salary Range $62,000 to $93,000