PPPL invites applications for the position of Project Manager â“ Balance of Plant, in support of the NSTX-U Project and Operations teams.

The NSTX-U Recovery project is working to complete a major upgrade of PPPLâ™s National Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX) fusion device located in Princeton New Jersey. The upgrade, when completed, will allow for a broader range of fusion science experiments, with the goal to ultimately achieve fusion as an economically viable clean energy source. One of the key work scopes to ensure readiness for operations is the Maintenance and Run Prep (M&RP) for the existing Balance of Plant, including high power neutral particle beam systems, 1000MVA class motor generators, cryogenic fluid systems, water systems, instrumentation and control systems, and high voltage and high current AC and DC electrical systems.

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 â” 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!

The M&RP Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that the Balance of Plant is appropriately maintained, upgraded, and tested to ensure readiness for operations when the NSTX-U fusion facility is ready to commission.

The Balance of Plant generally refers to systems outside the NSTX-U core. These systems including the neutral particle beam systems, motor generator generators, cryogenic systems, water systems, instrumentation and control systems, and high voltage and high current electrical systems. Readiness for operations will include maintenance of legacy systems (planned and unplanned), equipment upgrades, and obsolescence management.

Responsibilities include overall management and scope definition (in collaboration with Engineering Leadership), budget and schedule development, execution, documentation, cost and schedule tracking, and regular reporting. Executing this work safely and with appropriate quality is paramount.

Core Duties:

1. In conjunction with the Project Director, collaborates with PPPL Engineering and other stakeholders to define and clearly articulate the scope of the maintenance and upgrade activities necessary to support operations.
2. Identifies and prioritizes other optional work efforts based on cost/benefit analysis or other prioritization methods.
3. Establishes and achieves stakeholder alignment on a method/model for governance and oversight, recognizing that the total scope includes both project and programmatic scopes.
4. Develops a credible budget and schedule including consideration for risk and uncertainty.
5. Safely achieves project requirements on time and on budget including DOE Notable Outcomes, milestones, performance and technical requirements, and key performance parameters.
6. Coordinates with Environmental Safety and Health leadership to ensure quality standards are maintained in execution of project scope.
7. Identifies PPPL staff and other resource and service requirements and takes action to secure their timely acquisition/procurement in concert with project/program needs.
8. Provides project direction, oversight and feedback to assigned project staff.
9. Oversees and manages all aspects of project execution including safety, risk, scope, cost and schedule and change control.
10. Actively tracks and reports progress against a baseline budget and schedule.
11. Utilizes PPPL risk management tools (e.g. Risk Register) to actively monitor and manage risks, and implement mitigations.
12. With support from Project Controls staff, defines appropriate KPIs and metrics for measuring progress and identifying issues (may include SPI, CPI, schedule float, % complete, or other); utilizes KPIs and metrics to identify project issues and adverse trends, and implements timely and effective recovery plan(s), when needed.
13. Issues timely and accurate project reports and communicates project performance to PPPL and DOE stakeholders.
14. Oversees and manages project closeout including turnover to end user/operations and disposition of documents and records.
15. Conducts critiques and documents lessons learned that can be applied to future PPPL projects and operations.

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline (Major in Engineering, Project Management, Computer Science, or Physics) is required.
2. Prior work experience in industrial settings such as manufacturing, chemical processing, oil & gas, or nuclear.
3. Experience working effectively in a highly matrixed organization.
4. Working knowledge of earned value management systems (EVMS) and scheduling processes.
5. Project management or project control experience working with Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).
6. Experience in managing multiple vendors, contract management, change control, and supply chain.
7. Experience with monthly cost, schedule, and status processes.
8. Experience implementing risk management processes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
2. Demonstrated team building skills, including the ability to work effectively with peers, other organizations, project sponsors and stakeholders and suppliers.
3. Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to conduct risk analysis and to make timely, risk informed decisions.
4. Demonstrated ability to manage a broad range of work activities and technical disciplines involving a diverse spectrum of professional and non-professional personnel.
5. Superior communication and presentation skills to provide adequate levels of transparency to all members of the project team and stakeholders.
6. Excellent Computer skills (PC/Mac).
   1. Proficient knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite including Word, PowerPoint, Excel using advanced excel functions.
   2. Proficient with the Google Suite including Google Slides, Google Docs/Google Sheets.
   3. Familiarity with Primavera scheduling software, or equivalent.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of work breakdown structure (WBS), sequencing, resource loading and other cost/schedule control.
8. Ability to adapt to external project impacts.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification desired.
• Professional Engineer Certification desired.

Physical Requirements:

• Capable of climbing ladders and working at heights from scaffolding, platforms and powered aerial lifts.
• Able to stand for long periods of time and walk around the facility (approximately a few miles per day).
• Must be capable of accessing all work areas to physically view work practices and conduct inspections. This will involve bending, climbing, and kneeling.
• Must be able to periodically lift up to 25 lbs and wear a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily full time on-site, with occasional (<10%) domestic travel as required.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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.

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