IT Generalist Apprenticeship

Requisition # 2026-21608

Date Posted 5 days ago(3/5/2026 3:22 PM)

Department: PPPL Information Technology

Category: Information Technology

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

The Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL) has an opening for an IT Generalist Apprentice. PPPL has the first-in-the-nation registered apprenticeship program in fusion energy and engineering. It is designed to equip the next generation of technicians with the skills necessary to help build and operate a fusion energy experiment. The IT Generalist Apprentice will be responsible for providing timely computer-related support while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will maintain a presence at the PPPL Help Desk while enhancing skills such as IT system deployment, troubleshooting, maintaining IT infrastructure, and responding to end user support.

A PPPL Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway for high school graduates, veterans, and others looking to join this exciting endeavor. The “IT generalist apprentice” program shall be considered completed when the apprentice has satisfactorily completed a minimum of 6000 On the Job Training (OJT) hours, extending up to 8000 hours based on OJT competence areas. The apprentice will need to successfully pass our internal evaluation for all OJT competence areas, and all Related Technical Instruction (RTI). The program leads to a portable, nationally recognized credential and a possible career at our national laboratory. The apprentice will receive pay and benefits, as well as all the RTI is fully paid for by PPPL.

More information about PPPL apprenticeships can be found here. Questions can be sent to apprenticeship@pppl.gov.

The PPPL IT Generalist (Computer Support Technician) reports to the User Support Team Lead, and is responsible for deploying, troubleshooting, securing, and maintaining the Information Technology infrastructure at PPPL.

• Provides technical support across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms
• Maintains a presence at the Help Desk responding to and addressing staff needs
• Prepares and maintains technical documentation and IT knowledgebase
• Diagnoses hardware and software problems through vendor supplied tools
• Prepares computers for deployment into PPPL ensuring proper configuration management and best practices
• Identifies and responds to anomalies in PPPL’s IT infrastructure including network, telephony, and enterprise applications
• Detects and responds to cyber security events
• Update and resolve support tickets within required timeframes and properly document incident outcomes
• Troubleshoot account and authentication issues

A cover letter is required for this position. Please submit this document with your application.

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 IT Generalist apprentice program shall be considered completed when the apprentice has satisfactorily completed a minimum of 6000 On the Job Training (OJT) hours, extending up to 8000 hours based on OJT competence areas. The apprentice will need to successfully pass our internal evaluation for all OJT competence areas, and all Related Technical Instruction (RTI). The apprentices shall be rotated through the following work processes. With the sponsor making work assignments based on the approximate hours specified in each of the work processes.

On-the-Job Training Hours:
User Support
System Administration
Networking and Telecommunication
Cyber Security
Total of 6000 to 8000 hours

The program will enlist the successful candidate in one of the following programs to fulfill the required RTI (432 hours). This will be paid for by the PPPL apprenticeship program.

Online class training per Thomas Edison State University (TESU) or Classroom training per Mercer County Community College (MCCC).

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent by the start of the program.
• No experience needed.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• The program will enroll the successful candidate into an educational partner for the required courses (RTI). If you are already in a similar course, you can possibly be credited for those courses towards the program.
• Excellent communication, writing, and customer service skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The successful candidate should be passionate, dedicated, motivated, have good time management skills, the ability to solve problems, can be adaptable to the changing needs in IT, be a team player, be ready to learn, and be challenged. While no prior IT experience is required, the successful candidate should have a strong interest in learning IT support and services.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must possess a Real ID valid Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements:

• Job occasionally requires lifting computer equipment such as desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, etc. that may weigh up to 50lbs.
• The job also occasionally requires running cables under and around equipment and furniture.

Working Conditions:

• 40-hour work week.
• Must be available during the core Help Desk hours which can be subject to change.
• Hours will be set up for a 30 min or 1 hour lunch.

Standard Weekly Hours 40.00

Eligible for Overtime Yes

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period 90 days