Senior Manufacturing Engineer - ITER

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 149,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory seeks a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to oversee fabrication of complex hardware for the US ITER project, manage supplier contracts and ensure quality and performance across all stages from fabrication to delivery. You will mentor engineers and coordinate with ITER partners to meet schedule and budget.

The role requires 15+ years in manufacturing/assembly/test, strong metrology knowledge, and experience with multi-million dollar contracts.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering (or closely related field) with relevant professional experience.
• Minimum 15 years of technical and vendor-management experience in manufacturing, assembly and test of integrated systems.
• Experience overseeing vendors with contract value of at least $10 million.
• Knowledge of metrology and precision fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and review of manufacturing documentation to support procurement (SOWs, specs, classifications).
• Participate in source selection review of fabrication proposals.
• Support contract negotiations with suppliers prior to award.
• Direct technical activities at suppliers for fabrication, assembly and test.
• Lead technical reviews (manufacturing readiness, factory acceptance tests).
• Manage configuration control for components and deliverables with traceability.

Skills

Vendor management

Contract negotiation

Technical leadership

Metrology

Precision fabrication

Communication skills

International suppliers

Education

BS in Engineering

Job description

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - ITER 2026-22328 2 days ago (10/8/2026 1:53 PM)

Department: PPPL Engineering

Classification: Engineering (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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

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 $149,200 to $238,400

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 you are a qualified individual with a disability and are, therefore, unable or limited in your ability to use or access this system, you can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting PPPL's Office of Human Resources at [e-mail].

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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