Experimental Devices Group Lead

Requisition # 2026-21764

Date Posted 7 days ago (4/23/2026 12:17 PM)

Department: PPPL Engineering

Category: Engineering

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

Provide technical expertise and managerial leadership for all systems assigned to the Experimental Devices Group. These include the core systems for magnetized plasma research devices (vacuum vessel and pumping, magnets, fueling systems, wall conditioning systems) and the physical environment surrounding them. The Group Lead is responsible for technical assignments, oversight of technical development and safety training of assigned staff and the operation, maintenance, and configuration management of assigned systems. Management of the machine and technical shops and test facilities is also under the responsibility of the person holding this position.

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!

We are not supporting visa or relocation for this position.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

This position formally acts in line management of staff primarily supporting the National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U); support of other experiments at PPPL is at a lower level but is anticipated to increase. Responsibility for the NSTX-U tokamak systems and test cell is presently assigned to the person holding this position as the Systems Manager; this is expected to continue. Details of the responsibilities and approximate time fractions on each are as follows.

Systems Management (40-60%):

• Provide technical leadership on operations, maintenance, and configuration management for experimental operations.
• Lead specification of system upgrades, life extension, and modernization, including managing scope, budget, and schedule.
• Provide design support for corrective maintenance of system components as necessary.
• Prepare and maintain engineering calculations and systems models to support system control and automation, understand performance limitations, document operational limits, and set alarm thresholds.
• Maintain procedures for operation and maintenance of assigned systems, including maintenance and inspection plans.
• Evaluate data collected during testing, commissioning, and operations to make recommendations for improved design or operational practices.
• Oversee the management of the machine and technical shop facilities, including various testing and preparation laboratories.

Group Management and Leadership (20%):

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of engineers and technical support staff, setting goals and performing performance appraisals.
• Manage budget, resources, and schedules, and apply documentation and procedural standards.
• Plan, organize, and supervise daily work, estimate personnel needs and schedule work to meet complex completion deadlines on assigned projects.
• Foster a culture of responsibility, delegation of tasks, active mentoring, and professional communication.
• Ensure the safety and safety compliance of all assigned staff and maintain constant vigilance for potential safety hazards in working areas.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

Engineering Operations Support (0-20%):

• Train for operational roles such as NSTX-U Chief Operations Engineer (COE).
  • Coordinate the daily startup, operation, and shutdown of numerous high power one-of-a-kind pressure, vacuum, and electrical systems.
  • Coordinate research operation of the NSTX-U device, including initiating each “pulse”.
  • Ensure operations stay within safety basis parameters defined for the facility.
  • Respond to fault conditions for NSTX-U operations and safety envelopes.
  • Assure proper conduct of operations communication across the operating team.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics with 12+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 10+ years of related experience. Relevant work experience can compensate lack of formal education in the specified fields.
• Progressively increasing supervisory, technical, and project management responsibilities, demonstrating the ability to work and make decisions with limited supervision.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with vacuum, magnet, and hazardous liquid and gas systems including pumps, valves, piping, and control systems, and water chemistry is highly desirable.
• Experience with preventative maintenance of pumps, valves, and pressure relief devices, including experience developing and implementing comprehensive maintenance programs for plant systems is highly desirable.
• Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational, maintenance and installation procedures, configuration drawings, and process flow diagrams is required.
• Knowledge of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including proficiency with office suites like MS Office and MS Excel or Google Workspace.

Certificates and Licenses:

• PE license is highly desirable.

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:

• Most work will be done at the PPPL shops and laboratories, though vendor visits may be required when supporting ongoing projects.
• Work will generally be 1st shift, though 2nd shift or weekend work may be required depending on facility schedules. Staff in the group may potentially provide 24/7 coverage in support of experimental operations and maintaining routine communication and supervision with all assigned staff is required.
• 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.
• We are not supporting visa or relocation for this position.

Standard Weekly Hours 40.00

Eligible for Overtime No

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period 180 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 $177,900 to $284,300