The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a world-class fusion energy research laboratory managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energyâ™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.

The Engineering Directorate at PPPL is a multidisciplinary team focused on developing the engineering designs for, and advancing the state-of-the-art of, magnetic confinement plasma physics research devices around the world. We specialize in diagnostics, high-field magnets, heating sources, plasma facing components, and digital/virtual engineering for nuclear fusion experiments at PPPL and collaborator facilities world-wide. Mechanical (solid mechanics and fluid dynamics), electromagnetic, thermal, and material engineering challenges, and radiation effects are routinely encountered simultaneously in PPPL engineering diagnostics projects. PPPL engineers develop novel solutions to the engineering challenges of fusion and plasma physics and collaborate with the Research team to develop new research directions, core capabilities, and experimental devices.

The Group Leader of the Controls & Data Acquisition Division will manage a group of engineers and technicians providing system specification and design, and electronic and software design, for instrumentation, control, data acquisition and analysis systems used on experimental fusion reactors and physics diagnostics. This job manages and contributes to delivering fully functional, integrated and tested software and electronic instrumentation environments for the operation of large experimental devices ranging in cost from $10M to $300M.

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 â” 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!

Core Duties:

• This position is responsible for the technical leadership and management of up to 30 professional and senior professional electrical engineers, software engineers, senior system analysts, and senior technical support staff. The technical leadership relates to solving electrical and software technical design issues which can have a major impact on the mission of the Laboratory. These systems include distributed process control, low latency high bandwidth data acquisition and control, sub-microsecond distributed synchronization, access control coordination, embedded diskless computer control and acquisition, management, and archival of hundreds of megabytes and thousands of data points per experimental shot.
• Overseeing the development, implementation, and use of state-of-the-art data analysis and visualization infrastructures for use by engineers and physicists. This position will be directly responsible for hands-on field installations of instrumentation systems so a strong background and experience in all this activity is required. The position is responsible for setting and maintaining internal engineering quality standards for the I&C and related systems.
• Responsible for the safety and safety compliance of the reporting staff. This position has responsibilities on projects which are located in restricted and potentially dangerous areas, therefore he/she must be constantly vigilant of potential safety hazards. This position must instill safety awareness in the staff at all times.
• Will lead major first level WBS packages which includes leading a multi-organizational staff for the accomplishment of major projects relating to fusion energy experiments with the planning and organization for all sub-level WBS activities which involves scheduling, reporting and taking major roles in national peer and design reviews.
• Ability and flexibility to adjust to changing oversight responsibilities of several technical projects for which they may have strong familiarity or legacy knowledge.
• Ability to bring new software and hardware technology into the Lab, while maintaining the functionality of critical legacy systems.
• Broad technical background is required to understand new technologies and evaluate how they could benefit the lab. Examples include FPGAs used on the NSTX Timing & Synchronization System, EPICS (Engineering and Physics Instrumentation and Control System) and the MDSplus data acquisition and display system used on NSTX, as well programming languages like C++ and Python.
• Must be able to plan and estimate budgets, job and manpower planning, and enforcing documentation and procedural standards in the Group.
• Will be expected to be part of national standards groups; give invited talks on novel or new uses of technology; perform general advisory and consulting work throughout the Lab. This consulting service may be in service to the Lab outside normal job activities, such as colloquium chairman.

Education and Experience:

• MA/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or other engineering related field is reqired; other advanced degree/s are a plus
• 15 or more years of experience with progressive technical and demonstrated project management responsibilities.
• Strong technical and interpersonal skills are required.
• Experience in distributed process control systems, PLC programming, and real time control is a plus.
• Experience in microprocessor/digital and electronic circuit design using PC based design tools is a plus.
• Experience with PC, Mac and UNIX is desirable. Strong software experience with real time OSs, VxWorks, Linux, modern programming languages (C/C++, Python), FORTRAN, VxWorks, IDL, and LabView is desirable.
• Experience in a scientific environment, and supervisory/management experience is helpful

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work and make decisions independently with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of project management techniques.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of researchers, engineers, and technicians.
• Experience with complex multi-disciplinary systems spanning data acquisition, control, data storage, and data visualization and analysis.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily on-site work (mostly in office, with some ability for work from home days).

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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About Princeton University

Princeton University is a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation's service and in the service of all nations. Chartered in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Princeton is an independent, coeducational, nondenominational institution that provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering.As a world-renowned research university, Princeton seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching.Today, more than 1,100 faculty members instruct approximately 5,200 undergraduate students and 2,600 graduate students. The University's generous financial aid program ensures that talented students from all economic backgrounds can afford a Princeton education.

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