The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a world-class fusion energy research laboratory managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. PPPL is dedicated to developing the scientific and technological knowledge base for fusion energy. The Laboratory advances the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics research to develop the scientific understanding and key innovations needed to realize fusion, the processes that power the stars, as an energy source for the world.

This position is for an expert level magnet engineer, with both breadth and depth in the area of magnet (or a related application) design and fabrication, such as coil winding and magnet insulation, electrical testing, fault detection, and protection. We are seeking an acknowledged expert, who is a leader and technical authority in high current carrying components that are electrically insulated and structurally supported. In terms of design, fabrication and reliable machine operation, magnet engineering is driven by physics requirements for current carrying components used in next-step fusion devices.

PPPL’s Engineering directorate includes a number of multidisciplinary teams focused on developing and delivering challenging engineering solutions for fusion and advancing the state-of-the-art technologies for magnetic confinement plasma physics research devices around the world. PPPL specializes in high-field magnets, diagnostics, and plasma facing components for nuclear fusion experiments at PPPL and collaborator facilities world-wide. Core competencies of PPPL Magnet Engineering include the design and implementation of compact fusion coil systems, coil system fault protection, high current power supply systems for coil testing, development of electro-mechanical systems in high density plasma environments (plasma and coil electromagnetic interactions), magnet system insulations, metrology for coil alignments, and in-vacuum coil system design and protection devices.

The successful candidate is expected to have in-depth knowledge and broad experience on magnet (or a related application) design, fabrication/construction and testing/commissioning. You will have technical responsibilities on the delivery of toroidal field (TF) and ohmic heating (OH) coil systems for reliable operation of compact spherical tokamaks such as NSTX-U and/or next step innovative magnetic fusion devices. This involves in-depth knowledge of coil system, conductor design, winding and component fabrication experience, and full appreciation of craftsmanship for coil engineering, auxiliary components such as the current leads and coil buses, interfacing with power systems and instrumentations for coil protection.

The successful candidate will:

• Develop innovative solutions to challenging magnet engineering problems for compact spherical tokamaks and/or stellarators with tight space constraints
• Lead the design, fabrication, qualification, and installation of high reliability conventional and/or superconducting magnet coils and systems for fusion.
• Develop design and acceptance criteria to ensure structural integrity and electrical performance, for reliable coil operation over machine lifetime.
• Lead a project team, including engineers and technicians, to deliver the magnet systems required by PPPL development programs such as mission needs for the national spherical torus experiment upgrade (NSTX-U) and the fusion filot plant options (FPPs).
• Perform coupled mechanical/electromagnetic analysis of magnet systems in fusion devices such as NSTX-U and next confinement facilities such as FPP.
• Carry out the process of designing, documenting, and reviewing engineering calculations.
• Perform tolerance analysis, risk assessments to ensure no gaps between design and fabrication.
• Prepare cost and schedule estimates for the development of coils and magnet systems
• Oversee and/or supervise the fabrication, assembly, installation, and commissioning of integrated coil systems
• Write technical specifications such as design description documents and load specifications to establish design and acceptance criteria for magnet coils
• Develop partnership for prototype evaluation with coil vendors and other national labs to mitigate risks associated with fabrication and coil commissioning

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or a related field.
• ~10-15 years (inclusive of post-BS academic experience), extensive experience in magnet design or a related application, fabrication and testing, preferably in a scientific or R&D environment. Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or a related field.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Prior demonstration of creativity, foresight, and mature professional judgment;
  • anticipating and solving unprecedented magnet design, fabrication and implementation problems,
  • determining project objectives and requirements,
  • developing standards and guidelines for diverse engineering, computing, and scientific activities.
• Knowledge of precedents in the field of magnet engineering and of the principles and practices of related disciplines.
• Prior demonstrated experience supervising coil (or a related application) design engineers.
• Technical competence in the mechanical and electrical engineering of magnet systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the standard engineering principles and procedures for electromagnet design.
• Fluency with analytical solutions; mechanical, thermal, and electrical, for simple geometries.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling/CAD tools for the development/review of fabrication drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of researchers, engineers, and technicians.
  

Working Conditions:

• Primarily on-site work (mostly in office, with some field work) with occasional conference or review travel (1-2 weeks per year). During the Pandemic, most in-office work has been replaced by tele-working.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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. EEO IS THE LAW

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.

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