Documentation and Training Specialist

Q: What are the main responsibilities of the Documentation and Training Specialist?

The role splits into Technical Writing and Editing (60%) — creating procedures and mentoring authors — and Operations Training Coordination (40%) — developing training materials, matrices, and qualification packages for NSTX-U and other experiments.

Q: What skills are most important for success in this PPPL Documentation role?

Strong technical writing , ability to translate complex information, instructional design expertise, interpersonal skills for working with scientists and operators, and experience with digital document repositories and training matrices are critical.

Overview

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

Provide support for the generation and maintenance of technical procedures and training material. This position primarily supports National Spherical Torus experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) commissioning and operations, however support of other experiments at PPPL is expected.

Technical Writing and Editing (60%)

Coordinate and collaborate with technical experts and operators to review, revise, and write administrative and operations technical procedures.
Translate complex technical information into clear, concise documentation.
Administer the review, approval, and revision control of technical documents using PPPL’s digital repository.
Mentor authors on methods and style to reduce human performance errors in field execution.
Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

Operations Training Coordination (40%)

Coordinate the development of experimental operations and maintenance training materials with technical experts and operators, ensuring consistency and quality.
Perform maintenance on Training & Qualification documentation and implementation procedures.
Support development of training matrices.
Review operator qualification packages for completeness and recommend completed qualification packages to engineering operations management for approval.
Develop classroom training schedules and coordinate on-the-job training activities with facility status.
Participate in training effectiveness reviews and assess effectiveness of classroom and on-the-job training.
Monitor training of operators and experimental area accessors for expiration and renewal.
Design, develop, and implement instructor training material.
Design, develop, and implement maintenance training material.
Coordinate delivery of third party technical and operations training.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

A technical related discipline associate’s degree from an accredited college or equivalent technical certification such as vocational training or military duty in a related field of study is preferred.
Minimum technical experience required: 12 years with associate’s degree/technical certificate, or 8 years with bachelor’s degree.
3 + years experience delivering technical training, preferably for operating equipment or systems.
Experience in an industrial, military, or national lab (DOE, DOD, NSF, etc.) is beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work with a diverse array of individuals, from maintenance crews to research collaborators is required.
Experience in the instructional design of technical training material is required.
Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational, maintenance and installation procedures is required.
Interactive interpersonnel skills, technical curiosity, and ability to build trust with scientific and technical personnel is required.

🎓What qualifications are required for the Documentation and Training Specialist role at PPPL?

Candidates need an associate’s degree or technical certification (preferred), plus 8–12 years of relevant experience. 3+ years delivering technical training and strong instructional design skills are essential. Experience in industrial, military, or national lab settings is beneficial. See administration jobs for similar roles.

📝What are the main responsibilities of the Documentation and Training Specialist?

The role splits into Technical Writing and Editing (60%) — creating procedures and mentoring authors — and Operations Training Coordination (40%) — developing training materials, matrices, and qualification packages for NSTX-U and other experiments.

🏛️Is prior national lab or DOE experience required for this PPPL position?

It is beneficial but not mandatory. Experience in industrial, military, or national lab (DOE, DOD, NSF) environments helps, especially for environmental, safety, health, and quality compliance in technical documentation.

⚛️How does this Documentation and Training Specialist role support fusion energy research?

By ensuring clear, compliant procedures and effective operator training for NSTX-U commissioning and operations, the role directly supports PPPL’s mission in fusion energy, microelectronics, and quantum research. Explore faculty jobs in related fields.

💡What skills are most important for success in this PPPL Documentation role?

Strong technical writing, ability to translate complex information, instructional design expertise, interpersonal skills for working with scientists and operators, and experience with digital document repositories and training matrices are critical.

Documentation and Training Specialist

Princeton University