Associate Fluid Systems Mechanical Technician

The Associate Fluid Systems Technician is responsible for performing the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of various fluid systems, and for assisting with their commissioning. This position primarily supports the National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U), with operational and maintenance support expected across other experimental and mechanical fluid systems laboratory-wide. Working under general supervision, the technician performs routine tasks independently from detailed procedures and instructions, along with some non-routine tasks that require independent judgment.

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!

The technician is assigned to either the Cryogenics Section or the Cooling Water, Liquids & Gas Section, and that assignment determines the systems the technician primarily operates and maintains. In the Cryogenics Section, the primary systems are the cryogenic plant and cryogenic systems. In the Cooling Water, Liquids & Gas Section, the primary systems are the experimental water systems (de-ionized water treatment equipment, closed-loop cooling water systems, and cooling tower systems) and the pressurized gas systems, including instrument air, the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) delivery and reclamation system, and high temperature helium system.

Fluid Systems Operation (70%)

• Operate assigned fluid systems in accordance with approved procedures, maintaining baseline operating parameters and initiating response procedures during off-normal conditions or alarm events.
• Record daily operational logs and system readings using round sheets and digital logbooks.
• Complete and maintain the training and qualifications required to operate assigned systems, including required cross-training on the other fluid systems.
• Assist with the development, review, and revision of operating procedures.

Fluid Systems Maintenance (30%)

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of fluid system equipment, such as pumps, compressors, valves, pressure relief devices, and heat exchangers, in accordance with maintenance procedures and work instructions.
• Assist with system commissioning, hydrostatic/pneumatic pressure testing, and functional checkouts of newly installed or upgraded fluid equipment, including setting up test apparatus, operating equipment during testing, and recording test data for engineering evaluation.
• Fabricate parts and assemble pneumatic, mechanical, and electromechanical components from drawings or detailed instructions.
• Assist with maintaining the spare parts inventory for assigned systems.
• Document maintenance activities and report differences between field conditions and drawings or procedures, providing field markups to support configuration management.
• Assist with the development, review, and revision of maintenance procedures.

• Full or fully corrected vision, correct depth and color perception, occasional close work, work in low light conditions.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; heavier items such as gas cylinders and dewars are moved with carts or lifting aids.
• Full hand, arm and leg mechanical dexterity and coordination.
• Ability to work near static magnetic fields without medical restrictions.
• Capable of climbing ladders, continuous walking, standing or sitting.
• Routinely wear protective clothing and equipment, primarily hardhats, safety glasses, and electrical PPE, plus fall protection, hearing protection, cryogenic PPE (face shields, insulated gloves), and personal oxygen monitors where required. 

• Associate Degree or Technical Certification in Mechanical Technology or related field with 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience; OR High School Diploma/GED with 5+ years of relevant experience operating and maintaining industrial, facility, or process fluid systems.
• Ability to use a computer for control-system operator interfaces, digital logbooks, data logging, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Good communications skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to understand and follow safety principles and work controls, including lockout/tagout (LOTO).

Required

• Experience maintaining industrial plant components including pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, valves, and filters/strainers.
• Experience with tubing, piping, and fittings (threaded, bolted, compression, soldered, welded, and grooved joints) and with system instrumentation such as gauges, flow meters, temperature, and level probes.
• Good mechanical skills, the ability to work with basic hand tools, and familiarity with mechanical drawings, piping and instrumentation drawings (P&IDs), and fluid schematics.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with scientific staff, engineers, and other technical staff.

Preferred

• Direct experience operating or maintaining cryogenic systems (liquid helium/nitrogen) or pressurized gas handling and delivery systems.
• Knowledge of general vacuum techniques and equipment associated with insulating vacuum systems for cryogenic applications.
• Understanding of, and ability to maintain, cooling water systems.
• Familiarity with water treatment and water chemistry monitoring, such as de-ionized water systems, filtration, and conductivity or resistivity measurement.
• Experience operating process equipment from a control console or operator interface, including monitoring operating parameters and responding to alarms.
• Knowledge of hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing practices and associated safety requirements.
• Familiarity with industrial valves, relief valves, rupture disk systems, and valve actuators, including preloading of valve stems and setup and calibration of valve positioners.
• Experience with rotating machinery and large motors, such as alignment of motors to pumps and compressors.
• Training, education, and/or experience with precision mechanical operating systems including rebuilding pumps and compressors.
• Knowledgeable use of machine shop tools such as drill presses, band saws, lathes, and milling machines.

• Shift Schedule: During operations campaigns (approximately nine months of the year), the technician is assigned to 1st, 2nd, or mid-shift based on the needs of operations. The technician generally remains on the assigned shift, apart from rotation for training purposes. During maintenance outages (the balance of the year), the technician works 1st shift.
• On-Call Requirements: Participation in an on-call rotation requiring off-hours response to emergency or alarm conditions. On-call staff must be available for phone consultation within 10 minutes and able to report onsite within 1 hour of notification.
• May be required to work overtime, weekends and holidays as required per the operations run schedule.
• Operation of control consoles and other controls may be for extended or irregular periods of time. Full mental concentration is required for the entire duration of the technician’s shift.
• Will work in environments with industrial hazards such as potential oxygen deficiency, cryogenic fluids, pressurized systems, high noise, confined spaces, elevations, radiation, and where electrically/mechanically energized equipment may be present.
• Work may involve radiologically activated and contaminated equipment and legacy parts.
• The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

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.