Associate Fluid Systems Technician

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory•Princeton, NJ

1d•$63,400 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

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!

Requirements

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).
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.