Cooling Water, Liquids and Gas Engineer

U.S. Fusion Energy; Princeton (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory seeks an engineer to support NSTX-U cooling water, liquid and gas systems, ensuring safe operation and lifecycle maintenance. You will oversee operations, develop procedures, and mentor staff while coordinating with multiple teams on high‑power systems.

The role requires a mechanical/chemical background, leadership experience, and strong knowledge of fluid systems, LOTO, and ASME codes. The position is based at PPPL with potential shift variations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or related field with 8+ years' experience.
• Experience in supervisory or lead technical roles.
• Strong knowledge of industrial fluid systems and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight of operations, maintenance, and configuration management for NSTX-U cooling water, liquid and gas systems.
• Develop and maintain procedures, drawings, maintenance plans, and training materials for safe operation.
• Define and maintain spare parts inventory for assigned systems.
• Provide design support for corrective maintenance of piping, pumps, valves, and heat exchangers.
• Prepare engineering calculations and system models to support control and alarms.
• Oversee operator training and troubleshooting for experimental operations.
• Evaluate data to recommend improved design or operations.

Skills

Fluid systems

LOTO

ASME B31.1/B31.3

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Chemical Eng

Tools

AFT Arrow

Fathom

Job description

Cooling Water, Liquids and Gas Engineer

Requisition # 2026-22032

Date Posted 2 months ago(7/20/2026 8:40 AM)

Department PPPL Engineering

Category Engineering

Job Type Full-Time

Overview

Provide engineering support for life cycle maintenance, operation, and upgrade of cooling water, liquid and gas systems. This role is responsible for the overall technical integrity, safe operation, and maintenance of assigned systems, and supervision of assigned staff.

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

This position primarily supports National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) cooling water, liquid and gas systems, however support of other experiments at PPPL is expected.

• Provide technical oversight of operations, maintenance, and configuration management for experimental operations; define and oversee maintenance, testing, and repair activities on assigned systems.
• Develop and maintain procedures, specifications, maintenance and inspection plans, drawings, and training material to ensure safe and reliable operation during the systems life cycle.
• Define and maintain spare parts inventory.
• Provide design support for corrective maintenance of system components, including piping, pumps, valves, relief devices, and heat exchangers.
• Prepare and maintain engineering calculations and systems models (eg – AFT Arrow and Fathom) to support system control and automation, understand performance limitations, document operational limits, and set alarm thresholds.
• Oversee operator training, operations and troubleshooting in support of experimental operations.
• Evaluate data collected during testing, commissioning, and operations to make recommendations for improved design or operational practices.

Section Supervision

• Lead and direct assigned technical support and engineering staff, setting goals and performing performance appraisals.
• Plan, organize, and supervise daily work, schedule work to meet completion deadlines on assigned tasks.
• 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 restricted and potentially dangerous areas.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

Engineering Operations Support

• May be requested to train for operational roles such as NSTX-U Chief Operations Engineer (COE).
  • Coordinate the startup, routine operation, and shutdown of numerous high power one-of-a-kind pressure, vacuum, and electrical systems.
  • Coordinate 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 communications across the operating team.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering field with 8+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 6+ years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or lead technical role.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Process experience, with industrial fluid systems equipment including pumps, valves, piping, control systems, and water chemistry is required.
• Experience with preventative maintenance of pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and pressure relief devices, including experience developing and implementing comprehensive maintenance programs for plant systems is required.
• Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational and maintenance procedures, piping and instrumentation drawings (P&IDs), and process flow diagrams is required.
• Experience with plant simulation and modeling is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
• Working knowledge of ASME B31.1 and B31.3.
• 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 work may be required depending on facility schedules. Staff in the section may potentially provide two-shift 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.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.

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

Salary Range
$111,600 to $178,200

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Princeton University-PPPL job offers are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of a background check, reference checks, and pre-employment screening, as applicable.

PPPL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory managed by Princeton University. The DOE prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.

Princeton University-PPPL is a residential community and an employer that operates continuously 24 hours a day. Essential services employees perform jobs that are necessary and required to maintain basic University operations during scheduled closures or unscheduled suspension of normal operations due to emergencies, events, or other situations. Essential services employees may be asked and/or required to perform jobs or duties that fall outside of their normal job classification during an emergency event. Learn more about our Essential Services policy.

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