Department   PPPL ITER Projects
Category   Engineering
Full-Time / Part-Time   Full-Time

Overview

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 as an energy source for the world.

Do you want to be an influential part of the world’s largest fusion experiment? The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the U.S. International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Diagnostic Team Lead and the PPPL ITER Projects Head. Reporting to the PPPL Deputy Director for Operations and US ITER Technical Systems Division Director, this position comes with the opportunity to grow and advance international research initiatives, leading engineering projects, influencing the most complex fusion facility ever built. ITER is an international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject, which will be the world's largest magnetic confinement plasma physics experiment studying burning plasmas for the first time. Thirty-five nations are collaborating to build and operate ITER tokamak, located in France.

In this role, you would lead a team of PPPL staff and subcontractors in delivering on U.S. diagnostic and port integration responsibilities. The ideal candidate would have demonstrated senior-level background and experience successfully delivering complex research or engineering projects of $100M or more.

This role requires effectively collaborating with senior leadership at PPPL, U.S. ITER, DOE, and the ITER Organization as well as leaders from the other ITER domestic agencies, in devising and executing strategies for effective integration of U.S. diagnostic activities with the international ITER project. This position has overall responsibility for cost, schedule, and technical performance in the execution of U.S. ITER diagnostic scope. Managing the development and delivery of the state-of-the-art diagnostics while addressing the specific technical nuclear issues associated with ITER is on the cutting edge of fusion engineering research.

Responsibilities

As a member of PPPL’s senior leadership team, you will actively participate in Laboratory strategic planning and management functions and be a member of the Laboratory Leadership Council. Key responsibilities include:

• Directing the design and fabrication of ITER Diagnostic Systems for which U.S. is responsible.
• Leading a team of PPPL and subcontractors in delivering on U.S. diagnostic and port integration responsibilities.
• Executing the responsibility for cost, schedule, and technical performance in the execution of U.S. ITER diagnostic scope.
• Pro-actively working with senior leadership at PPPL, U.S. ITER, and the international ITER Organization in devising and executing strategies for effective integration of U.S. diagnostic activities with the international ITER project.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Advanced Degree in physics, engineering, or related field
• 12-15 or more years’ experience leading complex projects
• Demonstrated senior-level background and experience successfully delivering complex research or engineering projects of $100M or more
• Experience in leading major R&D, DOE or other federally funded programs or projects highly desirable

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to lead a national, multi-disciplinary engineering team.
• Ability to lead and perform effectively in a climate of constant change.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

Working Conditions:

• This position is based at PPPL in Plainsboro, NJ. Initially this will be remote work through summer 2021. Then, frequent travel to ITER Project site in France, to U.S. ITER HQ at Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee, and subcontractor sites, as needed.

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.