Operational and Functional Safety Systems EngineerUS-NJ-PrincetonJob ID: 2024-19440Type: Full-Time# of Openings: 1Category: EngineeringOverview

The Operational and Functional Safety Systems Engineer will provide engineering support for design, life cycle maintenance, operation, and repair of operational and safety systems at PPPL.

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!

Core Duties

Functional Safety Engineering (70%):

• * Define and oversee maintenance, testing, and repair activities on operational and safety systems. Develop procedures, specifications, drawings, and training material to ensure safe and reliable operation during the systems life cycle.
• * Oversee operator training, operations and troubleshooting on safety and interlock systems such as safety-class PLC based access control, fixed gas detection monitoring, and trapped key systems along with various fixed and movable safeguards in support of experimental plasma research.
• * Ensure procedures, drawings, and other technical documents associated with the system are accurate and current per rigorous management of change and configuration management processes.
• * This position will primarily support National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) systems, however support of smaller experiments at PPPL like Facilty for Laboratory Reconnection Experiements (FLARE) is expected.

Engineering Operations Support (30%):

• * The incumbent will be expected to train for operational roles such as NSTX-U Chief Operating Engineer (COE) and D-Site Shift Supervisor (DSSS).
• * Coordinate the startup, routine operation, and shutdown of numerous high power one-of-a-kind pressure, vacuum, and electrical systems.
• * Coordinate operation of the NSTX-U device, including initiating each “pulse”.
• * Ensure operations stay within safety basis parameters defined for the facility.
• * Respond to fault conditions for NSTX-U operations and safety envelopes.
• * Assure proper conduct of operations communications across the operating team.

Education and Experience

• * Bachelors in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical or other engineering related discipline required.
• * 8+ years work experience in an industrial, military, or national lab experimental research environment preferred.
• * 5+ years work experience in functional or machinery safety engineering.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• * Ability to work with a diverse array of individuals, from maintenance crews to research collaborators is required.
• * Knowledge of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) and electrical safety as per NFPA 70E is desirable.
• * Competency in application of functional safety standards IEC 61508/61511.
• * Experience with radiological safeguarding such nuclear shielding is beneficial.
• * Experience in the preparation of technical documentation such as operational, maintenance and installation procedures and electrical schematics is desirable.
• * Ability to interface effectively with a wide range of scientific and technical personnel.

Certifications and Licenses

Demonstrated competency in functional or machinery safety engineering through industry certification is desirable:

• * Exida Functional Safety Professional (FSP), Certified Functional Safety Professional (CFSP) , or Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE)
• * UV FS Engineer
• * B11 Licenses Machinery Safety Specialist (LMSS)

Physical Requirements

• * 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.
• * 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.
• * Will work in environments with normal industrial hazards such as confined spaces, elevations, and where electrically/mechanically energized equipment may be present.
• * Routinely wear protective clothing and equipment, primarily hardhats, safety glasses, and electrical PPE.

Working Conditions

• * Most work will be done at the PPPL shops and laboratories, though vendor visits may be required when supporting ongoing projects.
• * Work will generally be 1st shift, though 2nd shift work may be required depending on facility schedules.
• * Occasional off-hours response to emergency or alarm conditions required.
• * May involve work in confined spaces, use of fall protection, other job-specific PPE.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - https://rrr.princeton.edu/eop 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 - https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOCKnowYourRightsscreenreader10_20.pdf

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.