Senior Manufacturing Engineer - ITER
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead technical oversight of fabrication of complex hardware for the US ITER project. In this role, you will support procurement and contractual oversight of suppliers, oversee manufacturing, assembly and testing activities, and ensure that all components meet stringent technical, quality, and performance requirements. You will already have deep experience of managing multi-million dollar manufacturing contracts. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge, large-scale engineering systems, while partnering with global teams to support one of the world’s most ambitious energy research initiatives.
Job description
The purpose of this role is to ensure the successful manufacturing, assembly, test, and delivery of 6 diagnostic systems for ITER, through strong technical leadership, contract oversight and technical oversight of suppliers. This position works closely with vendors and ITER partners to meet technical requirements, resolve technical issues, and maintain high standards of quality. The incumbent shall work closely with the Project Manager to ensure that schedule is met, within the approved budget.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and review of PPPL manufacturing documentation to support procurement, including statements of work, technical specifications, and component classifications.
- Participate in source selection review of fabrication proposals.
- Support the Project Manager and Procurement team in contract negotiation with a selected supplier, prior to contract award.
- Direct technical activities at suppliers, for fabrication, assembly and test activities.
- Participate in technical reviews (including manufacturing readiness, and factory acceptance test reviews), to assess supplier manufacturing technical documentation packages.
- Manage configuration control of component and documentation deliverables, ensuring traceability and requirements compliance.
- Lead the technical evaluation of supplier non-conformances.
- Lead dispositioning of deviation requests, request for waivers.
- Oversee and ensure closure of corrective actions to ensure that schedule is maintained.
- Liaise with the ITER Organization for timely resolution of hold points, disposition of non-conformances, deviation requests, and other approvals as necessary.
- Execute activities co-ordination with technical and procurement teams within PPPL, US ITER and the suppliers.
- Mentor early and mid-career engineers in manufacturing processes and vendor oversight.
- Participate in DOE project reviews.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: BS in Engineering (or a closely related discipline). This education requirement may be waived by compensating relevant professional experience.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 15 years of relevant technical and vendor management experience in the manufacturing, assembly and test of integrated systems.
- Experience in oversight of vendors, with previous contract value of at least $10 million.
- Advanced knowledge of precision fabrication.
- Demonstrated communication and negotiation skills in technical and commercial domains.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with design codes and standards, such as ASME BP&V or RCC-MRx.
- Knowledge of metrology.
- Experience in dealing with international suppliers and manufacturers in a multi-cultural environment.
Working Conditions: Travel about 20-25% of the time to suppliers, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and ITER (France). On-Site.
Requirements
- BS in Engineering (or a closely related discipline). This education requirement may be waived by compensating relevant professional experience.
- Minimum of 15 years of relevant technical and vendor management experience in the manufacturing, assembly and test of integrated systems.
- Experience in oversight of vendors, with previous contract value of at least $10 million.
- Advanced knowledge of precision fabrication.
- Demonstrated communication and negotiation skills in technical and commercial domains.
- Familiarity with design codes and standards, such as ASME BP&V or RCC-MRx.
- Knowledge of metrology.
- Experience in dealing with international suppliers and manufacturers in a multi-cultural environment.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefit program
Company overview
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by Princeton University, specializing in plasma physics and fusion energy research. Founded in 1951, PPPL has over 70 years of history as a world leader in developing fusion as a sustainable and potentially limitless energy source. The laboratory employs approximately 600-800 scientists, engineers, and operations staff who conduct essential research across a full range of plasma applications. PPPL's primary focus includes advancing spherical tokamak technology through its flagship experiment, the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U), which is the largest spherical tokamak in the United States. Beyond fusion energy, the laboratory has diversified its research portfolio to include microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. PPPL maintains extensive partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, and international research organizations, including key involvement in the ITER international fusion experiment in France. With an annual budget of approximately $177 million, the laboratory serves as both a premier research institution and an educational hub, offering the nation's first registered apprenticeship program in fusion energy and engineering.