Division Director for Engineering - Design, Analysis, and CAD; DAC

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a world-class fusion energy research laboratory managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. PPPL 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.

PPPL conducts research and development across a broad fusion and plasma science portfolio, including magnetic confinement fusion, liquid metal plasma-facing and blanket technologies, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet systems, advanced materials, and integrated engineering solutions. These efforts support PPPL’s mission as well as fusion programs and facilities throughout the United States and around the world.

PPPL is also a key partner in the DOE’s Genesis Mission, a national initiative, to accelerate scientific discovery and engineering through the application of advanced artificial intelligence. Through Genesis, PPPL applies AI to fusion research, design, operations, and data analysis to improve performance, accelerate development, and enable next-generation fusion systems.

The Engineering Department at PPPL 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 diagnostics, high-field magnets, power electronics, heating sources, and plasma facing components for nuclear fusion experiments at PPPL and collaborator facilities world-wide. Mechanical (solid mechanics and fluid dynamics), electromagnetic, thermal, material, and radiation effects and engineering challenges are routinely encountered simultaneously in PPPL engineering 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 complex coupled-physics nature of fusion devices presents truly unique challenges to the design, analysis, and optimization of these devices.

The Division Director for Design, Analysis, and CAD (DAC) provides technical and functional management of PPPL’s design, analysis, and CAD engineering capabilities and sets the technical and strategic direction for these functional engineering activities. Responsibilities include leading collaborative teams within the Design, Analysis, and CAD groups while interfacing closely with project leadership, other engineering divisions, research staff, and Laboratory management. The successful candidate will bring creativity, foresight, and mature professional judgment in anticipating and solving unprecedented engineering challenges;

establishing objectives and requirements for engineering excellence; and enabling successful execution of PPPL’s engineering responsibilities through modern tools, best practices, and continuous improvement.

A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences.

Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!

• Lead and manage a matrixed, multidisciplinary organization of engineers, analysts, and CAD designers supporting major PPPL fusion projects as well as numerous research programs requiring specialized engineering expertise.
• Establish and execute engineering programs for design, analysis, and CAD activities in accordance with sound engineering principles, PPPL standards, project…