Engineering Technician V - Quality Assurance Technician (NWS 00893)

North Wind Group•Livermore, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

North Wind Services (NWS) is actively seeking an Engineering Technician V - Quality Assurance Technician to contribute to national security within the science, technology, and engineering fields. This role is part of their supplemental labor team at vital federal research and development installations supporting the Department of Energy, specifically at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA. The position supports the National Ignition Facility (NIF), which is described as the world’s largest and most energetic laser facility, as well as the most precise and reproducible laser and largest optical instrument. The NIF utilizes nearly 40,000 optics to guide, reflect, amplify, and focus 192 laser beams onto a fusion target. The primary responsibilities for this role include performing incoming and outgoing inspection of large optical components critical to NIF operations. This involves 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 do not meet requirements. The successful candidate must be detail-oriented and highly observant, capable of evaluating 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, utilizing tools like a camera, stage lighting, bright hand-held lighting, and appropriate comparison and measurement tools. The technician will assess cleanliness, identify visible defects with unaided vision, estimate or measure defect size, and accurately record findings according to established procedures and quality standards. This role requires close collaboration with production, engineering, and supervision to ensure optics meet drawing and specification requirements before release. The technician will also maintain inspection documentation, support quality investigations, and communicate inspection results clearly and professionally. Given that NIF is a 24/7 operational facility, this position may require flexibility to work overtime, shifts, and weekends, including alternate schedules such as 4/10 or evening shifts. The successful candidate must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age, able to meet pre-employment requirements including physical, drug screen, and background investigation for a Department of Energy clearance. They will also be required to pass various on-site training modules and obtain a Q-Level Security Clearance.

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.

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.