Project Manager- Mechanical Projects

Project Manager- Mechanical Projects

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2023-16785
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Engineering

Princeton University

Overview

PPPL invites applications for the position of NSTX-U Recovery Project Manager – Mechanical Projects. This will be a project manager running field projects tailored to high tech design and construction on various PPPL scientific fusion energy research machines and devices.

This not a position for IT related project managers.

The NSTX-U Recovery Project is working to complete a major upgrade of PPPL’s National Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX) fusion device located in Princeton, New Jersey. The upgrade, when completed, will allow for a broader range of fusion science experiments, with the goal to ultimately achieve fusion as an economically viable clean energy source. The Recovery Project includes a portfolio of subordinate mechanical projects consisting of alterations or improvements to tokamak vacuum vessel internals, and mechanical systems and equipment needed to meet PPPL’s research objectives.

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 Project Manager comprehensively owns full life-cycle delivery (i.e., design, procurement, fabrication and testing) of assigned projects including the timely mitigation of risks and resolution of emergent issues, and ensures the work is completed on time, within budget and in accordance with applicable Laboratory policies and procedures. Executing this work safely and with appropriate quality is paramount.

Core Duties:

1. Collaborates with PPPL Engineering and other stakeholders (Research and DOE) to define and clearly articulate the scope and requirements for assigned projects.
2. Develops complete and credible project plans including define scope, schedule and cost estimates, procurement plan(s) informed by risk and uncertainty, and works with the Recovery team to fully integrate these plans in the project baseline.
3. Identifies PPPL and subcontractor staff as well as other resource requirements; takes action to secure their timely acquisition in concert with project needs.
4. Safely achieves project requirements on time and on budget including DOE Notable Outcomes, milestones, performance and technical requirements, and key performance parameters.
5. Oversees and manages all aspects of project execution including safety, risk, scope, schedule, cost, and change control and provides feedback to project team members.
6. Actively tracks and reports progress against a baseline budget and schedule.
7. Utilizes PPPL risk management tools to actively monitor and manage risks and implements mitigations.
8. With support from Project Controls staff, implements PPPL earned value management (EVMS) tools to track and report progress against the schedule and cost baseline and takes timely action to remedy issues and adverse trends, when needed.
9. Issues timely and accurate project reports and communicates project performance to identified stakeholders.
10. Oversees and manages project closeout including turnover to end users/operations and the disposition of documents and records.
11. Conducts critiques and documents lessons learned that can be applied to future PPPL projects and operations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required 10+ year experience managing projects involving technically complex mechanical systems or components in demanding industrial settings (e.g., DOE Office of Science research laboratories, chemical processing, commercial nuclear, or power generation/oil/gas industries). This experience must include ownership and accountability for full project life-cycle execution.
1. Experience working and managing effectively in a highly matrixed organization.
2. Working knowledge and experience with project management systems including project planning/work breakdown system architecture, scheduling and cost estimating principles and systems, earned value management, risk management, labor resource loading and management and project reporting.
3. Experience in managing multiple vendors, contract management, change control, and supply chain.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
2. Demonstrated team building skills, including the ability to work effectively with peers, other organizations, project sponsors, stakeholders, and suppliers.
3. Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to conduct risk analysis and to make timely, risk informed decisions.
4. Demonstrated ability to manage a broad range of work activities and technical disciplines involving a diverse spectrum of professional and non-professional personnel.
5. Superior communication and presentation skills to provide adequate levels of transparency to all members of the project team and stakeholders.
6. Excellent Computer skills (PC/Mac)
   1. Proficient knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite including Word, PowerPoint, Excel using advanced excel functions.
   2. Proficient with the Google Suite including Google Slides, Google Docs/Google Sheets.
   3. Experience with Primavera scheduling software, or equivalent.
7. Demonstrated ability to promptly adapt to emergent project completion and performance barriers.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification preferred.
• Professional Engineer Certification desired.

Physical Requirements:

• Capable of climbing ladders and working at heights from scaffolding, platforms, and powered aerial lifts.
• Able to stand for long periods of time and walk around the facility (approximately a few miles per day).
• Must be capable of accessing all work areas to physically view work practices and conduct inspections. This will involve bending, climbing, and kneeling.
• Must be able to periodically lift up to 25 lbs and wear a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily full time on-site, with occasional (<10%) domestic travel as required.

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.

PI218113498