Laser System Operator

LLNL•Livermore, CA

20d•$44 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has multiple openings for NIF Laser System Operators supporting the Beam Control System (BCS) and Injection Laser System (ILS) in the National Ignition Facility (NIF) Control Room. Operators support real-time operation of the laser beam control and injection systems, ensuring precise alignment, timing, and pulse shaping for experiments. They monitor diagnostics, make automated and manual adjustments, collect and analyze performance data, document issues and corrective actions, and collaborate with technical staff to prepare and reset systems for each shot. They also perform routine maintenance and calibrations and respond to alarms or faults, escalating complex issues to engineering teams to maintain reliable system performance. The role works under general supervision, providing technical support for the design, development, installation, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of moderately complex laser and optical systems. Operators collaborate with Physics and Engineering staff on developmental and experimental setups, operate subsystems through graphical user interfaces, acquire and analyze data using computer-based systems, and maintain operating procedures and optical configuration drawings. The positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations Division within the Engineering Directorate. NIF operates 24/7. Operators typically work a rotating 3/12–4/12 schedule, with the final two hours of each shift treated as overtime. Dayshift hours are 06:30–19:30 and owl shift hours are 18:30–07:30. The posting describes rotating weekly schedules for each shift and notes that 12-hour shifts are not guaranteed and may change. Thorough shift handovers support continuity of operations. Full-time on-site presence is required.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
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, applying knowledge of electronics, software, instrumentation and controls, or electro-optic theory to solve circuit or system challenges.
Experience with safe work and business practices.
Experience working effectively in a multidisciplinary 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 for the design, development, and installation of new moderately complex laser and optical systems.
Perform periodic maintenance and diagnostic activities, including operating, repairing, and upgrading existing systems using equipment and troubleshooting methods.
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 control systems.
Operate subsystems through a graphical user interface to align targets, diagnostics, laser beams, and other alignment systems.
Create supporting documentation and graphics using computer-based drafting, design, engineering, and scientific programs.
Oversee real-time operation of laser beam control and injection systems, including alignment, timing, and pulse shaping.
Monitor system diagnostics; perform automated and manual adjustments; collect and analyze performance data; and document issues and corrective actions.
Prepare and reset systems for each shot, conduct routine maintenance and calibrations, and respond to alarms or faults, escalating complex problems to engineering teams.
Participate in shift handovers and perform other duties as assigned.