Senior Manufacturing Engineer - ITER

NCSL International; Princeton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory seeks an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead technical oversight of fabrication for complex hardware for the US ITER project. You will support procurement, oversee manufacturing, assembly and testing, and ensure components meet stringent technical and quality requirements. Travel 20–25% to suppliers, ORNL, ITER (France).

On-site at PPPL. Minimum 15 years of vendor-management experience in manufacturing; contract oversight of $10M+; strong

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or related field; degree may be waived for relevant experience.
• 15+ years of vendor-management experience in manufacturing, assembly and test of integrated systems.
• Experience overseeing vendors with contracts valued at $10M+.
• Strong knowledge of precision fabrication and technical/commercial negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and review of PPPL manufacturing documentation for procurement (SOW, specs, classifications).
• Oversee supplier fabrication, assembly and test activities; support source selection reviews.
• Negotiate contracts with selected suppliers and manage technical oversight of supplier performance.
• Mentor engineers in manufacturing and vendor oversight; participate in DOE project reviews.

Skills

Vendor management

Manufacturing oversight

Contract negotiation

Technical leadership

Education

BS in Engineering

Tools

ASME BPV / RCC-MRx

Metrology

Job description

Job Type Full-Time

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead technical oversight of fabrication of complex hardware for the US ITER project. In this role, you will support procurement and contractual oversight of suppliers, oversee manufacturing, assembly and testing activities, and ensure that all components meet stringent technical, quality, and performance requirements. You will already have deep experience of managing multi-million dollar manufacturing contracts. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge, large-scale engineering systems, while partnering with global teams to support one of the world's most ambitious energy research initiatives.

The purpose of this role is to ensure the successful manufacturing, assembly, test, and delivery of 6 diagnostic systems for ITER, through strong technical leadership, contract oversight and technical oversight of suppliers. This position works closely with vendors and ITER partners to meet technical requirements, resolve technical issues, and maintain high standards of quality. The incumbent shall work closely with the Project Manager to ensure that schedule is met, within the approved budget.

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:

• Lead the development and review of PPPL manufacturing documentation to support procurement, including statements of work, technical specifications, and component classifications.
• Participate in source selection review of fabrication proposals.
• Support the Project Manager and Procurement team in contract negotiation with a selected supplier, prior to contract award.
• Direct technical activities at suppliers, for fabrication, assembly and test activities.
• Participate in technical reviews (including manufacturing readiness, and factory acceptance test reviews), to assess supplier manufacturing technical documentation packages.
• Manage configuration control of component and documentation deliverables, ensuring traceability and requirements compliance.
• Lead the technical evaluation of supplier non-conformances.
• Lead dispositioning of deviation requests, request for waivers.
• Oversee and ensure closure of corrective actions to ensure that schedule is maintained.
• Liaise with the ITER Organization for timely resolution of hold points, disposition of non-conformances, deviation requests, and other approvals as necessary.
• Execute activities co-ordination with technical and procurement teams within PPPL, US ITER and the suppliers.
• Mentor early and mid-career engineers in manufacturing processes and vendor oversight.
• Participate in DOE project reviews.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• BS in Engineering (or a closely related discipline). This education requirement may be waived by compensating relevant professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant technical and vendor management experience in the manufacturing, assembly and test of integrated systems.
• Experience in oversight of vendors, with previous contract value of at least $10 million.
• Advanced knowledge of precision fabrication.
• Demonstrated communication and negotiation skills in technical and commercial domains.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as ASME BP&V or RCC-MRx.
• Knowledge of metrology.
• Experience in dealing with international suppliers and manufacturers in a multi-cultural environment.

Working Conditions:

• Travel about 20-25% of the time to suppliers, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and ITER (France).

• On-Site.
• 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 Drivers License Required No

Salary Range $149,200 to $238,400

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