Laser System Operator

LLNL•Livermore, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has openings for NIF Laser System Operators supporting the Beam Control System (BCS) and Injection Laser System (ILS) in the NIF Control Room. As a vital member of the operations team at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), you will support the world’s most energetic laser system. This role is crucial for the precision and performance of NIF’s experimental campaigns, especially following the historic achievement of fusion ignition in December 2022. The operator will oversee the real-time operation of laser beam control and injection systems, ensuring precise alignment, timing, and pulse shaping for experiments. Responsibilities include monitoring system diagnostics, performing adjustments, collecting and analyzing performance data, documenting issues, and collaborating with technical staff for system preparation and reset. Operators also conduct routine maintenance, calibrations, and respond to alarms, escalating complex problems to engineering teams. NIF is a 24/7 operational facility, and operators typically work a 3/12-4/12 schedule with overtime for the last two hours of each shift. Specific shift schedules are detailed, with a structured approach to ensure uninterrupted support and work-life balance. These positions are within the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, Engineering Directorate, and require full-time on-site presence.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Associate degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, Laser/Photonics Technology, or related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience with moderately complex electronic assembly and troubleshooting.
Intermediate skills and knowledge of electro-mechanical technology, including general electronics background and experience in both theory and design while applying the knowledge of electronics, software, instrumentation and controls, or electro-optic theory and ability to solve circuitry or system challenges.
Experience in safe work and business practices.
Experience working effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with engineering software tools such as SolidWorks, CREO, LabView or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support in the design, development, and installation of new moderately complex laser/optical systems.
Perform detailed periodic maintenance and diagnostic activities, including operations, repairs, and upgrades of existing systems using a variety of equipment and troubleshooting methods.
Generate and maintain system documentation including operations procedures and optical configuration drawings.
Collaborate with and provide technical support to Physics and Engineering staff in performing developmental and experimental setups.
Acquire and analyze moderately complex data using computer-based data acquisition and controls.
Operate sub-systems using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to align targets, diagnostics, laser beams, and other alignment systems.
Produce supportive documentation and graphics using computer system drafting, design, engineering, and scientific programs.
Oversee the real-time operation of laser beam control and injection systems, ensuring precise alignment, timing, and pulse shaping for experiments.
Monitor system diagnostics, perform automated and manual adjustments, collect and analyze performance data, and document any issues or corrective actions.
Collaborate with technical staff to prepare and reset systems for each shot.
Conduct routine maintenance and calibrations.
Respond promptly to alarms or faults, escalating complex problems to engineering teams to maintain reliable and accurate system performance.
Perform other duties as assigned.