Heating Systems Group Lead

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL); Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 153,000 - 244,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is seeking a Heating Systems Group Lead to oversee engineering operations for high‑power heating systems, including NSTX‑U services. You will provide technical leadership, safety oversight, and strategic development for staff and systems.

The role requires a strong background in high‑power plasma heating technologies, project management, and a commitment to safety and quality requirements. Expect on‑site work with robust collaboration across PPPL teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years or Master's with 10+ years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical operations and maintenance for Heating Systems Group, including NSTX-U heating and current drive systems.
• Manage upgrades, life extension, budget, and schedule for assigned systems.
• Develop design support and calculations for system components and power supplies.
• Maintain operation procedures, safety and environmental standards, and performance monitoring.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or related field with 12+ years of experience; or Master's with 10+ years

Job description

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is seeking to fill a Heating Systems Group Lead position. This position will provide technical expertise and managerial leadership for all staff and systems assigned to the Heating Systems Group. These include multi-megawatt neutral beam injection systems and radiofrequency (RF) auxiliary heating and pre-ionization systems. This role is responsible for the overall technical integrity, safe operation, maintenance, and strategic development of assigned staff and systems.

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

This group lead will primarily support PPPLs flagship experiment, the National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U), particularly the heating and current drive systems though support of other experiments at PPPL is expected.

Heating and Current Drive Engineering (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, including ion sources, beamlines (dumps, calorimeters, and neutralizers), tetrode and klystron-based power supplies, transmission lines, and matching networks.
• 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.

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 restricted and potentially dangerous areas.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

Engineering Operations Support (20%)

• Train for operational roles such as NSTX-U Chief Operations Engineer (COE) and Neutral Beam Operations Supervisor.
• 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 Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or related field with 12+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 10+ years of related experience.
• Progressive supervisory, technical, and project management responsibilities, demonstrating the ability to work and make decisions with limited supervision.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (including Unique Software/hardware Requirements)

• Extensive technical experience with high-power plasma heating technologies: neutralized positive-ion neutral beam injection systems, megawatt-class RF heating (tetrode-based ICRF/HHFW), and/or klystron-based ECH pre-ionization systems.
• Experience with high-voltage pulsed DC power systems (50-120+ kV), high-power modulator/switch systems, and fast equipment protection/arc detection.
• Working knowledge of high-heat-flux component water cooling and high-voltage insulating gas practices.
• Experience developing and executing comprehensive preventative maintenance programs, testing plans, and system operational procedures for complex, high-energy research systems.
• Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational, maintenance, and installation procedures, electrical schematics, and one-line diagrams.
• Knowledge of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO), confined space entry protocols, and oxygen deficiency hazard controls.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including proficiency with office suites like MS Office and MS Excel or Google Workspace.

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 or mid-shift work may be required depending on facility schedules. Staff in the group will provide 1st plus mid-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.
• Operation of control consoles and other controls may be for extended or irregular periods of time. Full mental concentration is required for the entire duration of the shift.
• May involve work in confined spaces, use of fall protection, other job-specific PPE.
• May support Visa and relocation for the right candidate.
• 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.

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.

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

No

Valid Driver's License Required

No

Salary Range

$152,900 to $244,300