Pulsed Power Engineer – Electromagnetic Diagnostics

LLNL•Livermore, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking multiple Pulsed Power Engineers to support the development of innovative electromagnetic diagnostic technologies for mission-critical pulsed power experiments. These roles involve the design, fabrication, testing, and operation of electromagnetic diagnostics utilizing RF and optical principles to assess pulsed magnetic-field technologies. The work includes hands-on development and operation of RF diagnostics, laser diagnostics, high-speed cameras, data acquisition systems, and laboratory instrumentation within unique experimental settings that employ high-power pulsed electrical energy and/or energetic materials to study matter in extreme states. These positions offer a hybrid work schedule, allowing for a blend of in-person and virtual presence, with the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. The positions are within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) of the Engineering Directorate. The specific level (SES.1 or SES.2) will be determined by the hiring team based on the candidate's knowledge and experience, with additional responsibilities assigned at the higher level.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related science, engineering, or technical field, or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
Fundamental knowledge of electrical, optical, or electromagnetic engineering concepts, techniques, practices, and procedures applicable to diagnostic systems and pulsed power experiments.
Fundamental knowledge of electromagnetic wave physics, such as antennas, RF/microwave engineering, transmission lines, fiber optics, physical optics, or radiometry.
Knowledge of signal processing, image processing, or numerical methods using computational tools such as Python or MATLAB.
Experience using standard laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, network analyzers, waveform generators, coaxial cables, fiber-optic components, or digital multimeters.
Experience working effectively in a multidisciplinary technical team environment.
Ability to travel offsite for system testing and experiment execution.
Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
Comprehensive knowledge of electrical, optical, electromagnetic, or related engineering concepts, with broad application of technical principles, theories, concepts, and techniques relevant to pulsed power diagnostics (SES.2 level).
Broad application and experience applying engineering principles to perform independent technical work and develop solutions to moderately complex engineering problems (SES.2 level).
Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information (SES.2 level).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience working safely with hazards associated with pulsed power environments, such as high-voltage systems, high-power lasers, or energetic materials.
Experience using vector network analyzers to measure S-parameters and interpret resulting datasets.

Responsibilities

Design, test, calibrate, and operate optical and RF diagnostics for pulsed power experiments, including laser diagnostics, antennas, high-speed cameras, transformers, voltage dividers, and photodiodes under general direction.
Develop and evaluate diagnostic components and systems using fundamental electrical, optical, and electromagnetic engineering principles and established engineering techniques.
Perform hands-on laboratory testing and collect data from electromagnetic devices and components, including high-voltage and high-current pulsed power systems, under the direction of senior engineering and scientific staff.
Analyze experimental and diagnostic data using established signal-processing, image-processing, and numerical methods.
Integrate diagnostic components into experimental systems in collaboration with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, physicists, and other technical personnel.
Prepare engineering documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, printed circuit board layouts, assembly instructions, calibration and alignment procedures, and technical reports.
Apply simulation tools, such as finite-element solvers, SPICE circuit solvers, and ray-tracing codes, to evaluate electromagnetic and diagnostic design problems.
Travel as needed to support system testing and experiment execution at off-site locations.
Independently perform broadly defined pulsed power and diagnostic engineering assignments under limited direction, using independent judgment to determine appropriate methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria (SES.2 level).
Develop solutions to moderately complex to complex engineering problems involving multiple, largely identifiable factors through the creative use of established and/or innovative methods (SES.2 level).
Develop technical plans, schedules, resource estimates, and engineering approaches for assigned pulsed power diagnostic activities and recommend technical or process improvements as appropriate (SES.2 level).