Engineering Intern - Military veterans preferred

Engineering Intern

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2025-20838
Type: Part-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Engineering

Overview

We are seeking internship students to support ongoing research and development of next generation new High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet design, fabrication and testing. The purpose of this job is to support Princeton University Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) superconducting magnet group in specific tasks of materials characterization of the state-of-the-art superconductors, particularly in projects related to the new development of high temperature superconducting magnets and support the operation of user facilities for physics and magnetic fusion research. More specifically, the project will design and build magnet component prototypes and test probes to demonstrate and validate integrated high field measurability for physics and fusion materials science research.

The use of high performance HTS magnets for science discovery and higher fusion power density is necessary both to improve magnet efficiency and to increase integrated system performance in the instrumentation of physics measurements, basic research, as well as fusion magnet design. The key to this project is the establishment of a quality assurance framework needed in high field magnets.

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!

Core Duties: 

Tasks include developing in-house test instruments to continuously measure and evaluate superconducting tapes within a cryogenic setting; support installation of a new winding machinery for superconducting coils, ensuring precise control over tape/wire alignment, winding tension, and winding velocity, and scrutinize the performance of individual coils and the multi-coil assembly post-winding, data analysis of conductor performance using advanced AI and machine learning tools.

The roles and responsibilities include supporting the following tasks:

• Construct a motion system to safely convey the conductor between spools/reels through a liquid nitrogen bath, considering thermal expansion and material selection.
• Engineer dynamic tape speed control, exploring solutions like off-the-shelf controllers or customizing controllers.
• Formulate secure mechanical mounts for diverse sensor types, optimizing structures based on sensor specifications.
• Optionally, engage in data acquisition, post-processing, and analysis through programming to interpret results.
• Design and execute motion system and speed control as described previously.
• Incorporate tension sensing and feedback components into the motion system, investigating precision control methods and utilizing commercial controllers or customized microprocessor-driven controllers.
• Perform scientific data analysis to understand conductor performance in terms of fundamental materials science with relevant mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.

Education and Experience: 

• Must be a college senior or BS degree within 3 years, in engineering or physics.
• Previous experience in data analysis, hands-on tooling design or 2nd generation HTS and coil winding fixture design is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Hands on experience on mechanical design experience with advanced cryocooling.
• Ability to perform mechanical design and measurements data analysis.

Working Conditions: 

• Mostly office based and small R&D test lab.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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. 

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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