Network/Telecommunications Apprenticeship

Network/Telecommunications Apprenticeship

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2023-16784
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Information Technology

Princeton University

Overview

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Apprenticeship is the first-in-the-nation registered apprenticeship program in fusion energy and engineering. It is designed to equip the next generation of technicians with the skills necessary to help build and operate a fusion energy experiment.

A PPPL Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway for high school graduates, veterans, and others looking to join this exciting endeavor. The Network/Telecommunication apprentice program shall be considered completed when the apprentice has satisfactorily completed each of the competencies listed below and the related technical instruction. The program leads to a portable, nationally recognized credential and a possible career at our national laboratory. The apprentice will receive pay and benefits, as well as all the RTI is fully paid for by PPPL.

PPPL apprenticeship website: https://www.pppl.gov/work-with-us/apprenticeships

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

Responsibilities

The network and telecommunications apprentice provides support for physical wiring requests and associated testing. Further, the successful candidate will work with users to troubleshoot and test problems with existing connections. This is a hands-on role that involves installation of equipment, cabling, and basic troubleshooting. Additional duties include management of documentation, inventories, equipment removal and excess, and general user support. Basic administration of network and telecommunications systems are also in scope for the role.

Core Duties:

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT): 6000 hours
APPROXIMATE HOURS

Install copper wiring infrastructure in support of connectivity requirements for departmental projects. 1000 hours

Competencies

• Install category 6 and 6a copper wiring in the data center, network/telecom closets, and in experimental areas including the NSTX-U test cell. Use basic wiring concepts knowledge to ensure correct bend radius, proper amount of slack, bundling/labeling of cables, and connections to endpoints.
• Complete installations under raised floors and above ceilings; ensure correct cabling is used based on fire and other safety codes and requirements.
• Use test equipment to verify cables are working as expected.
• Label all cables with a label maker and include all required information. Ensure each end of the cable is labeled and visible for future reference.

Install fiber optic infrastructure in support of connectivity requirements for departmental projects. 500 hours

Competencies

• Install single mode and multimode fiber optic cables and the use of each based on project requirements.
• Complete cable connections for network uplinks and to experimental areas including the NSTX-U test cell.
• Ensure all safety procedures are followed, with a special focus on the use of lasers with fiber optic connections.
• Complete installations with correct connector types, and with media converters as directed by network staff. Ensure proper bend radius and slack for all connections.
• Measure signal strength with test equipment to ensure levels are within specifications and meet requirements for overall power budget. Address attenuation issues as needed.
• Complete certification testing with OTDR; complete throughput and error testing as needed.

Install/remove network and telecommunications systems in data center, network closets, and lab experimental areas. 1500 hours

Competencies

• Review the requirements for equipment racking, including temperature, fan direction/flow, heat management techniques, etc.
• Use installation tools (server lift, rack mount kits, etc) as needed to complete installations and equipment removal safely, meeting weight distribution requirements.
• Review the specifics of removing old equipment, cabling, power, etc. Reviews should include an overview of adjacent equipment and wiring to ensure there is no impact to ‘production’ during de-installations.
• Review power requirements, including concepts of ‘house power’ vs ‘UPS’ and dual power supply requirements where necessary.
• Install network equipment in data center and network closet racks.
• Install/run copper and fiber optic cabling between network devices and to servers and other IT infrastructure as per PPPL network group standards.
• Label all devices and cables with required information.
• Ensure all safety standards are followed as per PPPL guidelines.
• Remove network hardware from data center racks and network closets as needed.
• Wipe/remove all network configuration and data as per PPPL cyber policy.
• Work with material services group to excess legacy equipment as needed.
• Remove old, unused cabling as needed.

Troubleshoot wired and wireless network connectivity issues. 2000 hours

Competencies

• Monitor network management software and identify outages, problems as they occur.
• Work with users to provide guidance on setup and perform level 1 troubleshooting as needed; document all information on connectivity issues and pass on to next level if issue cannot be resolved.
• Level 1 troubleshooting for TCP/IP should include the use of ICMP testing tools, packet capture systems, and taking a step by step approach up the OSI stack beginning with physical connectivity.
• Log into wired/ wireless and VPN network equipment to obtain unit status, check logs, and check configurations as part of troubleshooting process.
• Perform basic administration (add/delete) for network management, network access control, and network registration systems.

Troubleshoot analog, digital and voice over IP telecommunications issues. 800 hours

Competencies

• Monitor telephony management tools to identify phones and other telecom devices that are down/offline.
• Use telephony tools and test equipment (punch down tool, telephony test sets, tone generators) to verify physical connectivity as needed.
• Work with users to perform level 1 troubleshooting for calling, voicemail, call recording and other services as needed; document all relevant information to pass on if issue cannot be resolved.
• Check PPPL telecommunications systems to diagnose connectivity logical programming/communications issues, voice quality problems, etc.

Update network/telecom documentation and inventory. 200 hours

Competencies

• Review current knowledge base and other information repositories.
• Update Google suite, websites, Servicenow KB articles and other areas where documentation is presented as needed.
• Work with engineers to update Visio and Google Drawings network and telecom diagrams as needed.
• Create ‘how to’ guides for networking and telecom systems such as guest wireless access, voicemail setup and features, radio etiquette, and similar areas.
• Complete periodic inventories of network and telecom hardware, cabling, transceivers, rack mount kits, media converters, phones, and other network/telecom consumables.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT (RELATED Technical INSTRUCTION):
Classroom training per Mercer County Community College (432 hours):

• NET 102 Introduction to PC Hardware and Software.
• NET 103 IT Essentials.
• NET 104 Fundamentals of Computer Networks.
• NET 120 Windows Desktop OS Administration.
• NET 124 Network Infrastructure Administration.
• NET 130 Routing and Switching Essentials.
• NET 212 Linux.
• NET 230 Scaling Networks.
• NET 239 Connecting Networks.
• NET 240 Network Security.
• NET 244 Network Defense and Countermeasures.
• CCNA Exam.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent by the start of the program. No experienced need.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Passionate, dedicated, motivated, time management, problem solving, team player, ready to learn and be challenged.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50lbs.

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. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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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