Mechanical Design Engineer- Lead Level, Design Group (ITER)

Mechanical Design Engineer- Lead Level, Design Group (ITER)

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2023-16306
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Engineering

Princeton University

Overview

PPPL’s Engineering Design Group is a multidisciplinary team focused on developing the engineering designs for and advancing the state-of-the-art for magnetic confinement plasma physics research devices around the world. We specialize in high-field magnets, diagnostics, and plasma facing components for nuclear fusion experiments at PPPL and collaborator facilities world-wide. The core competencies of the Design Group include the design and implementation of; high vacuum components and systems, high heat flux components, coupled electro-mechanical systems in high EM flux environments, material science, metrology, and in-vacuum motion devices.

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 EN06 Lead Engineers apply extensive and diversified knowledge of principles and practices in broad areas of assignments in their specialties and related fields, make decisions independently on engineering problems and methods, and participates in conferences to resolve important questions and to plan and coordinate work. They are required to use advanced techniques and to modify and extend theories, precepts, and practices in their fields and related sciences and disciplines. The knowledge required at this rank is usually gained from experience including having worked in a capacity equivalent to that of a staff member at the previous rank.

This rank requires the candidate to have sufficient experience to assure competence as a fully established professional, someone who has successfully completed projects. Candidates requires technical competence proven from (> 10 years) prior experience in positions of similar or related responsibility.

Core Duties

The successful candidate will:

• Plan, develop, coordinate, and direct important projects or a number of lesser projects with many complex features.
• Carry out complex or novel assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures.
• Develop and evaluate plans and criteria for projects and activities to be carried out by others.
• Execute mechanical design and analysis.
• Carry out the process of designing, documenting, and reviewing engineering design and calculations.
• Prepare cost and schedule estimates.
• Prepare documentation (installation procedures, analysis reports, calculations, system description documents, design reviews).
• Prepare Project Execution Plans and manage work to that Plan, including cost and schedule.
• Supervise the process of the drawings by overseeing the preparation, approval, and release of drawings for manufacturing.
• Oversee and/or supervise the fabrication, installation, and commissioning of designed components.
• Write Specifications and SOW to establish external standards for suppliers and vendors.
• Determine applicability and appropriateness of requirements and internal controls.
• Reprioritize activities within the scope of work being managed.
• Supervise the professionals and technicians who assist them, estimate personnel needs, and schedule and assign work to meet completion deadlines on assigned projects.

Selected candidates will be a team member of the Engineering Design Group (matrix) and could be assigned to work on various projects (fusion experiments) at PPPL, (NSTX National Spherical Torus Experiment, ITER International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, etc..).

At this rank, supervision and guidance relate largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters. Staff members at this rank normally consult with their supervisors concerning unusual problems and developments.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional experience, > 10 years (inclusive of post-BS academic experience), preferably in a scientific or R&D environment.

A strategic goal of PPPL is diversifying the community of scientists and engineers, ensuring equitable access, and making the STEM fields more accessible and inclusive. With this in mind, we will take into consideration equivalent work and personal experiences as well as efforts in education, outreach or other related service activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required:

• Perform and make decisions independently with limited supervisory assistance.
• Technical competence in mechanical engineering.
• Application of standard principles and procedures of mechanical engineering.
• Familiarity with mechanical analysis.
• Fluency with 3D modelling/CAD and development/review of fabrication drawings.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of researchers, engineers, and technicians.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of “State of the Art” manufacturing methods.
• Proficiency with GD&T.
• Experience with metrology and tolerance studies.
• Design Experience:
  • Mechanisms & linkages.
  • High heat flux components.
  • Specialty materials and austenitic steels.
  • Diagnostic components.
  • Super-conducting magnet.
  • Components in high vacuum environments.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in confined spaces; may be necessary.

Working Conditions:

• Most work will be done in PPPL offices, shops and laboratories, though vendor visits may be required. Work may be on 1st or 2nd shift dependent on facility schedules. May involve work in confined spaces, use of fall protection, other job-specific PPE.

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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