Senior Health Physics Technician

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 84,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks a Senior Health Physics (Radiological Control) Technician to support fusion facilities and nuclear materials management involving radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices.

You will work with researchers, operators and technicians on PPPL's fusion devices and lead radiological surveys, calibrations and postings to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of radiation protection regulations (e.g., 10 CFR 835 or 10 CFR 20)
• Proficiency in radiation survey techniques, documentation and calculations
• Ability to work independently and protect workers based on measurements and methods
• Willingness to coach workers when safety standards are not met
• Valid New Jersey Driver's License (from document)

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and lead radiological surveys, monitoring, posting, access controls and calibrations.
• Conduct routine and job-specific radiological surveys for dose rates, surface contamination and airborne radioactivity.
• Provide in-field radiological coverage for maintenance activities during accelerator operations.
• Operate and calibrate radiation detection equipment including ion chambers and detectors.
• Perform specialized tritium monitoring and manage breathing air controls.
• Establish and maintain radiological controlled areas and postings.
• Assist in issuing and tracking personal dosimetry.
• Assist in packaging and shipping of low-level and mixed waste.
• Respond to radiological spills or abnormal conditions.

Skills

Radiation protection regs

Survey techniques

Radiological calculations

Independent work

Worker coaching

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in radiation or nuclear science

Tools

Radiation instrumentation calibrations

Electronics repair of radiation detectors

Job description

Overview

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks to fill a Senior Health Physics (Radiological Control) Technician opening to support fusion facilities, nuclear materials management and other research programs involving radioactive materials and radiation generating devices used in materials and fusion energy research. Work involves operating analytical equipment in the radioactive materials count room and supporting radiation measurement instrument calibrations. The individual will work with researchers, accelerator operators and machine technicians on the largest US fusion energy device (spherical tokamak) and most powerful worldwide . The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing radiological safety requirements for workers. The incumbent will work independently and as part of a multi-disciplined team of scientists, operators, technicians and engineers to ensure PPPL Environmental Health & Safety standards are consistently met and that research programs advance and meet PPPL Annual Laboratory Plans (ALP) goals.

Independently perform field monitoring of radiological conditions and ensure worker safety. Work closely with physicists, engineers, operations and maintenance crews to monitor radiological conditions, reinforce radiation safety principles and behaviors and ensure compliance with regulatory standards during active plasma operations and maintenance activities.

PPPL is one of 17 U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories and is managed by Princeton University. 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:

• Plan, coordinate and lead radiological surveys, monitoring, posting, access controls, SNM controls and instrument calibrations for PPPL.
• Radiological Surveys (25%): Conduct routine and job-specific surveys for radiation dose rates, surface contamination, and airborne radioactivity, with emphasis on tritium (H-3) and activation products.
• Job Coverage (20%): Provide in-field radiological coverage for maintenance activities, particularly during accelerator operations, or handling of activated structural components.
• Instrumentation (10%): Operate, calibrate, source-check, and maintain specialized radiation detection equipment, including ion chambers, scintillation detectors, proportional counters, liquid scintillation counters, and tritium air monitors.
• Tritium Monitoring (10%): Perform specialized tritium smears, operate tritium air samplers, and manage breathing air controls for personnel working in potential tritium atmospheres.
• Radiological Postings & Access Control (10%): Establish and maintain radiological controlled areas (RCAs), Airborne Radioactivity Areas, Radiation Areas and High Radiation Areas based on survey results and operational status.
• Dosimetry, source inventories, and training (10%): Assist in issuing and tracking personal dosimetry.
• Waste Management (10%): Assist in the characterization, packaging, and shipping of low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) and mixed waste generated during fusion operations.
• Emergency Response (5%): Serve as a key responder during radiological spills, abnormal facility conditions, or personnel contamination events.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an HP Technician in commercial or naval nuclear power plant, DOE or DOD facility, particle accelerator, or relevant industrial facility.

Desired Education/Experience/Knowledge/Certifications

• Associates degree in radiation or nuclear science or technology.
• DOE Core or ANSI 18.1 or 3.1 qualifications.
• Experience with radiation instrumentation calibrations and electronics repair of radiation detection instrumentation.
• NRRPT Certification: Registration with the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists.
• Experience with tritium monitoring, liquid scintillation counting, and tritium contamination controls.
• Experience with accelerator/Fusion facilities: Experience dealing with prompt radiation (neutrons/x-rays) and short-lived activation products.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of radiation protection regulations (e.g., 10 CFR 835 or 10 CFR 20).
• Proficiency in standard radiation survey techniques, documentation, and radiological calculations.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions for worker protection based on radiation measurements and work methods. Willingness to engage with workers provide direction to ensure radiological compliance and coach workers when behaviors do not meet standards.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid New Jersey Drivers License.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Pass a physical exam and fit test to wear a full face respirator.
• Capable of routine walking, standing, bending, climbing stairs and ladders and working at heights. Ability to navigate tight spaced in an industrial environment.
• Ability to operate equipment such as company vehicles, forklifts and aerial lifts.

Working Conditions:

• Dayshift, On-site, M-Fri 8 hrs.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, weekends, or on-call hours during major operational campaigns.
• Must be able to work around radioactive materials.
• Must be willing to submit to routine bioassay’s (urinalysis) for the detection of tritium.
• Ability to qualify and enter a confined space.

• 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

Yes

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

90 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

Yes

Valid Driver's License Required

No#LI-CL1

Salary Range

$83,800 to $125,800