Mechanical Technologist - Cryogenic Operations - National Ignition Facility

LLNL•Livermore, CA

4h•$44 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is seeking talented and self‐motivated Mechanical Technologists to install targets and gas bottles and provide operational support for the Cryogenic Target Systems Group supporting complex and critical NIF experiments. In this role, you will provide advanced maintenance and operational support on the NIF target positioners and target gas manifolds, working with vacuum, x-rays, and pressurized gas systems for the targets that support the critical operations of the world’s most energetic laser system. The primary responsibilities include exchanging high value targets, gas bottles, reservoirs, and operations and maintenance on cryogenic and gas filled systems using remote complex computer-based equipment. This position requires work with hazardous materials in a radioactive environment, and active participation in task specific safety meetings. The successful candidate will have good attention to detail, identify process improvements, and seek to understand complex operational systems. The Engineering Technician will also have the communication skills to effectively interact with project leaders, technicians, designers and engineers, and will report to the NIF Operations Supervisor. NIF is a 24/7 operational facility, and operators typically work on a 3/12-4/12 schedule to support operations, with the last two hours of each shift being overtime. The dayshift work hours are from 06:30-19:30 and the owl shift hours are from 18:30-07:30. Dayshifts work either Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday, or Thursday to Saturday and every other Wednesday. Owl shifts work either Sunday to Tuesday and every other Saturday night or Wednesday to Friday and every other Saturday night. Most work will occur in Radiological environments and the candidate will get trained prior to having access to those areas. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate. These positions require full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Associate degree in Mechanical or Electrical Technologies or a combination of 4+ years of education and experience or previous military experience working on cryogenic/vacuum systems.
Working knowledge of various mechanical maintenance practices including plumbing, hardware and electrical as it relates to vacuum system operation and maintenance.
Ability to learn technical background using computer control and data acquisition systems or similar large systems.
Experience working in a team environment in a technical environment.
Ability to adapt to system changes, upgrades and processes to complete experiments.
Must be able to use a respirator, work in confined spaces, lift and push 50 pounds, use portable ladders with a max 300 pound weight limit, and work from various heights.
Must have the communication skills necessary to convey highly detailed procedures and verbally discuss technical information with personnel.
Experience in safe work and business practices.
Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with operations and maintenance of vacuum systems and associated hardware.
Experience with precision mechanical assembly, alignment, and testing.
Experience working within a nuclear, military, or highly technical laboratory environment.
Demonstrated ability to work on complex systems including optical, electrical, and mechanical.

Responsibilities

Install, align, and prepare hardware in the Target Area in support of NIF Shot Operations.
Installation of precision and high-value targets.
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cryogenic, vacuum, x-ray, and pressurized gas systems.
Operate various systems and equipment remotely using a graphical user interface (GUI) computer controlled systems.
Follow and adhere to written, operational, and safety procedures while completing job assignments.
May occasionally work in Beryllium contaminated areas or other areas requiring a respirator.
Provide technical support to engineering tests, physics experiments, and program operations.
Provide input for documentation of system operation and test procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.