Instrumentation & Control Design Engineer

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.

PPPL’s Instrumentation & Control group is a multidisciplinary team that conceptualizes, creates and maintains systems and components used by experiments throughout the world. We specialize in electronics, software, real-time control, process control and the application of technologies fundamental to the operation of nuclear fusion experiments.

We develop and utilize the technologies necessary to provide control of the processes seen in the sun and stars, here on earth.

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!

Work with project teams both at PPPL and throughout the world to develop novel solutions to instrument a world-leading thermonuclear reactor being built in southern France. This work contributes to the development of ITER (www.iter.org) diagnostic instrumentation & control designs by providing oversight of vendors contracted to design these systems.

Core Duties

The successful candidate will:

• Aid in coordinating I&C support activities across multiple US developed diagnostics.

• Develop accurate cost & schedule estimates for I&C scope from design through fabrication.

• Lead Design and Development of US ITER advanced Diagnostic project, including.

  • Fast control for diagnostic systems.

  • Slow process control systems.

  • Human Machine Interface.

  • Embedded system design.

  • Interface management for Control & Data Acquisition (CODAC) systems.

  • Analog and digital signal conditioning.

  • Cable and interface design in accordance with ITER specifications.

• Develops and assures the delivery of designs meeting ITER I&C requirements.
• Remotely collaborates on a multinational, multidisciplinary teams.
• Ensures consistency between databases describing the I&C functions, such as power distribution data, cables lists, signal lists, cable termination data, equipment locations and classification.
• Monitors and follows up the engineering activities of the relevant Procurement Arrangements (PAs), to ensure that components and subsystems will be designed, fabricated, shipped, installed, tested and integrated on schedule consistent with the requirements.
• Develops the procedures for the on-site acceptance tests and integrated commissioning related to the I&C, in addition to testing/verifying deliverables from suppliers.
• Performs the integrated functional testing of the I&C development systems, including troubleshooting as and when necessary.
• Follow-up the design and production of Electrical Diagrams, Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), Cabling Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams, Control Loop Diagrams and as built I&C system description documents.

Education and Experience:

A BS or greater in one of the following:

• Computer Science.
• Electrical Engineering.
• Computer Engineering.
• Software Engineering.

Professional Experience (5-7 years)

• Have designed and delivered process control systems utilizing PLCs (Siemens preferred).
• Successful delivery of complex projects utilizing National Instruments cDAQ, cRIO, or PXI technology.
• Extensive experience generating and reading State Machine, UML, Logic Flow and Interconnection Diagrams.
• Experience and aptitude for generating comprehensive documentation packages for design reviews. Experience with Enterprise Architect a plus.
• Experimental Physics & Industrial Control System (EPICS) and other SCADA systems a plus.
• Some experience or academic knowledge of EM and nuclear radiation effects on modern electronics and strategies to mitigate.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• I&C Engineering related to functional safety and nuclear safety.
• Implements and documents the programming or codes related to the Programmable Logic Control (PLC), Human Machine Interface (HMI), embedded system and Data Acquisition (DAQ) system as per I&C needs.
• Experience with Enterprise Architect software a plus.
• Experience with data acquisition, timing and synchronization system design.
• Knowledge of IEC 61513 & 61226 would be advantageous, or other international codes and standards for I&C.
• Cable routing design, shielding and related deliverables.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily tele-working and on-site work with occasional conference or review travel (1-2 weeks per year).

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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