Engineering Technician V – Quality Assurance Technician (NWS 00934)

North Wind Group•Livermore, CA

13d•$40 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

North Wind Services (NWS) is seeking a detail-oriented and self-motivated Engineering Technician V to perform incoming and outgoing inspection of large optical components used in critical operations at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the world’s largest and most energetic laser facility. This role supports the Department of Energy and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The primary responsibilities include inspecting finished and uncoated optics for surface flaws and contamination, documenting defects and particles, reviewing drawing specifications, creating inspection maps, and generating Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) when inspection results exceed requirements. This position requires a highly observant technician who can evaluate optical surfaces for imperfections such as scratches, digs, stains, haze, inclusions, cracks, and edge chips. Inspections are performed in a Class 100 cleanroom and dark-room environment using specialized equipment. The successful candidate must be able to assess cleanliness, identify visible defects with unaided vision, estimate or measure defect size, and accurately record findings in accordance with established procedures and quality standards. The candidate will work closely with production, engineering, and supervision to ensure optics meet drawing and specification requirements before release, and will maintain inspection documentation, support quality investigations, and communicate inspection results clearly and professionally. Due to NIF being a 24/7 operational facility, this position may require flexibility to work overtime, shifts, and weekends, and may also require working alternate schedules such as 4/10 or evening shifts. The successful candidate will be required to pass various on-site training modules and obtain a Q-Level Security Clearance through the Department of Energy.

Requirements

A.S., or equivalent experience, in Optical or Mechanical technologies.
Experience with production technologies, including evaluating and testing processes.
Ability to perform work deliberately, carefully, and safely.
Demonstrated ability to work within deadlines to perform multiple tasks and communicate effectively with managers and customers.
Ability to follow detailed procedures and accurately record process parameters.
Experience with databases, data manipulation skills, personal computers, and associated software.
Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and changing priorities.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse group of personalities and disciplines.
US citizen, at least 18 years of age.
Able to meet pre-employment requirements including any required physicals, drug screen, and/or background investigation to satisfy clearance requirements from the Department of Energy.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing visual quality inspections on optical, precision, or high-value components.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection criteria.
Familiarity with scratch/dig inspection standards and defect documentation practices.
Experience creating NCRs and maintaining quality records.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work methodically in controlled inspection environments.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
Previous cleanroom experience, including familiarity with gowning requirements, contamination control practices, and protocol compliance.

Responsibilities

Perform incoming and outgoing inspection of large, finished, and uncoated optics in accordance with approved procedures and drawing requirements.
Inspect optical surfaces for flaws including scratches, digs, stains, haze, inclusions, cracks, edge chips, and other visible imperfections.
Inspect optics for surface contamination, including particles and organic haze, prior to defect inspection.
Verify optic serial numbers and ensure inspection records and maps are properly aligned to part orientation.
Review drawings, specifications, prior NCRs, and inspection requirements before beginning inspection.
Document defects and contamination on inspection maps with accurate location, type, and estimated or measured size.
Use inspection aids and measurement tools such as comparator cards, scratch/dig standards, microscopes, and loupes to evaluate defect size and severity.
Methodically inspect each optical surface using controlled lighting and scanning techniques to ensure complete coverage.
Follow written operational, quality, and safety procedures while completing assigned work.
Adhere to cleanroom protocols, including proper gowning procedures, to maintain contamination control standards within the inspection environment.
Communicate effectively with technicians, engineers, supervisors, and other stakeholders regarding inspection status and quality issues.