Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) · 18 hours ago
Instrument and Control Technician Apprentice
Princeton, NJ
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad
$48K/yr - $72K/yr
0+ years expPrinceton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a leader in fusion energy and engineering, offering a registered apprenticeship program designed to equip the next generation of technicians. The Instrumentation and Control Technician Apprentice will support the design, deployment, and lifecycle management of custom computing systems and assist in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electronic equipment and systems.
CollaborationEducationEnergy
Responsibilities
Install, modify, maintain and repair of electronics equipment, prototypes, and computer systems to ensure proper functioning for scientific and experimental apparatus
Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers and engineers as necessary to procure replacements
Replace defective components or parts using hand tools and precision instruments
Install or maintain control systems. industrial automation systems or electrical/electronic equipment including control circuits for scientific and research systems
Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry, electronic, or computer components to engineering requirements under the guidance of engineering and research staff using procedures, technical manuals and basic knowledge of computers and electronics
Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or computer systems
Installation, repair and maintenance of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
Install, configure, and maintain network systems, switches, and devices to ensure systems effectively communicate and transmit information in support of scientific research and experimental device requirements
Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources and corrective actions performed
Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operations of equipment
Document and archive software codes used for the operation of instrumentation and controls systems
Design or modify engineering diagnostic and control schematics for experimental devices, using computer-aided design (CAD) software
Produce electronics drawings or other graphics representing industrial control, instrumentation, sensors, or analog or digital telecommunications networks, using computer-aided design (CAD) and other software
Review engineering procedures, plans, and criteria to ensure adherence to design criteria and compliance to all applicable standards
Review existing documentation, procedures, and engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or revisions to outdated material
Select and procure electronics equipment, components, or systems to meet functional specifications
Calculate design specifications, cost, and resource estimates to meet project schedules and budgets
Educate and train equipment operators on the proper use of equipment and systems
Specify, coordinate, and conduct quality control or quality assurance programs to comply with procedures and lab policy
Integrate computer software and hardware components using computer, microprocessor, or control architecture
Program computers using various computer codes (i.e. python, Labview, etc.) as determined by engineering and research staff
Interpret test information to resolve design related problems
Qualification
Required
Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent by the start of the program
No experience needed
High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required
Must be able to work in awkward positions, in narrow or confined spaces, bend, climb, lift and/or move heavy objects up to 50lbs
Must be able to climb ladders or stairs to reach objects; comfortable with heights
May require frequent kneeling, bending, walking and/or standing for long periods of time
This position is fully on-site. The candidate must be able to work 40 hours per week and attend classes outside of working hours
Preferred
Enrollment in an accredited college with electronics/computer courses is highly preferred
Reading and understanding technical drawings including power system one-line diagrams, circuit schematics, control wiring diagrams and general arrangement drawings
Basic understanding of computers, electrical/electronic principles, circuits, and safety practices
Familiarity with common hand tools and basic power tools used in the trade
Strong commitment to safety protocols and procedures, particularly Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) and Electrical safety
Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
Passionate, dedicated, motivated, time management, problem solving, team player, ready to learn and be challenged
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately and efficiently
Ability to work in various physical conditions (e.g., confined spaces, heights, varying temperatures)
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit program
Company
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)
A proud U.S.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2023-08-14Grant
Leadership Team
Kristen Fischer
Chief Financial Officer, Head of Business Operations
Timothy Meyer
Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
Inside HPC & AI News | High-Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence
2025-09-17
2025-07-30
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