Engineering Intern

Overview

Support PPPL Mechanical Engineering on Collaboration Team Projects.

This job is located at General Atomics, San Diego, CA. 92121.

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. Come join us!

Responsibilities

Core Duties

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks to fill a high level phd student Mechanical / Control Engineer position based at DIII-D national fusion facility in San Diego, CA. DIII-D is the largest experimental tokamak device in the USA. This high-temperature fusion device requires continual engineering support to maintain and enhance existing systems for plasma heating and diagnostic, as well as develop innovative plasma control capability.

The candidate will join the PPPL team stationed at DIII-D, a dynamic group of scientists, engineers, and technicians committed to advancing fusion energy science with innovative research and technologies. The successful candidate will perform algorithm design and analysis work in support of DIII-D operations and experiments, in particular, developing a new real-time framework for the DIII-D’s Lyman-alpha diagnostics (LLAMA and ALPACA) diagnostics. The real-time LLAMA / ALPACA system projects include the development of real-time data transfer and processing for DIII-D’s plasma control system (PCS). This real-time diagnostic aims to provide the spatial distribution of plasma particle source. In addition, the candidate will contribute to the development of a plasma particle control system (or algorithm), leveraging real-time diagnostics.

Examples of Mechanical Engineering responsibilities

• Design system structural support for real-time LLAMA / ALPCA diagnostics.
• Design algorithm for real-time transfer and processing of raw diagnostic data.
• Perform particle transport analysis using OMFIT / TRANSP and DIII-D database to infer transport balance model between particle source and plasma particle content.
• Design and implement plasma particle controller in PCS, integrating real-time diagnostics and transport balance model.

Qualifications

Education / Experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Have knowledge of plasma control algorithms preferred.

Have knowledge of plasma heating and fueling physics preferred.

Have knowledge of nonlinear regression and fitting on diagnostic data preferred.

Experience in physics modeling with linearized ODE and data-driven approach (preferred).

Experience in designing control algorithms with real-time diagnostic and actuators (preferred).

Ability to work with others and contribute to a larger team effort across several time zones as needed.

Preferred Skills :

Working Conditions

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.

Standard Weekly Hours40.00Eligible for OvertimeYesBenefits EligibleNoProbationary PeriodN / AEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)NoEstimated Appointment End Date8 / 31 / 2025Physical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Driver's License RequiredNo #LI-MM1