Laser System Operator

LLNL•Livermore, CA

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is hiring multiple NIF Laser System Operators to support the Beam Control System (BCS) and Injection Laser System (ILS) in the National Ignition Facility (NIF) Control Room. Operators are members of a multidisciplinary team responsible for the reliable and safe operation of laser beam-control and injection-laser subsystems used in NIF experimental campaigns. The role involves real-time system operation, precise alignment, timing and pulse shaping, monitoring diagnostics, making automated and manual adjustments, collecting and analyzing performance data, and documenting issues and corrective actions. Operators collaborate with technical staff to prepare and reset systems for each shot, perform routine maintenance and calibrations, respond to alarms and faults, and escalate complex problems to engineering teams. Working under general supervision, the operator provides technical support in the design, development and installation of moderately complex laser and optical systems, working independently within established guidelines and procedures. The role also supports maintenance, diagnostics, repairs and upgrades to existing systems; creates and maintains operating procedures and optical configuration drawings; and collaborates with Physics and Engineering staff on developmental and experimental setups. Operators acquire and analyze data using computer-based data acquisition and controls, operate subsystems through graphical user interfaces, and produce documentation and graphics using computer-based drafting, design, engineering and scientific programs. NIF operates 24/7. Operators typically work a 3/12-4/12 schedule, with the final two hours of each shift designated as overtime. Dayshift hours are 06:30–19:30 and owl-shift hours are 18:30–07:30. Dayshift schedules are either Sunday–Tuesday and every other Wednesday, or Thursday–Saturday and every other Wednesday. Owl-shift schedules are either Sunday–Tuesday and every other Saturday night, or Wednesday–Friday and every other Saturday night. Twelve-hour shifts are not guaranteed and may change. Thorough shift handovers support continuous operations. The position is full-time and requires on-site presence. The position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate. It is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates. The advertised hourly pay range is $43.55–$53.36. A DOE Q-level security clearance is required and requires U.S. citizenship.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for the clearance.
Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Laser Electro-Optics, Physics or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience with moderately complex electronic assembly and troubleshooting.
Intermediate knowledge and skills in electro-mechanical technology, including a general electronics background and experience in theory and design.
Ability to apply knowledge of electronics, software, instrumentation and controls, or electro-optic theory to solve circuitry or system challenges.
Experience in safe work and business practices.
Experience working effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work full-time on-site and support the stated shift schedule.

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 and optical systems.
Perform detailed periodic maintenance and diagnostic activities, including operations, repairs and upgrades of existing systems.
Generate and maintain system documentation, including operating procedures and optical configuration drawings.
Collaborate with and provide technical support to Physics and Engineering staff on developmental and experimental setups.
Acquire and analyze moderately complex data using computer-based data acquisition and controls.
Operate subsystems through a graphical user interface to align targets, diagnostics, laser beams and other alignment systems.
Produce supporting documentation and graphics using computer-based drafting, design, engineering and scientific programs.
Oversee 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 issues and corrective actions.
Collaborate with technical staff to prepare and reset systems for each shot, conduct routine maintenance and calibrations, respond to alarms or faults, and escalate complex problems to engineering teams.
Perform thorough shift handovers to support seamless operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.