Lasers & Alignment Systems Engineering Shift Lead - National Ignition Facility

Mid-Senior Level | Full-time Engineering | Livermore, CA | 07/28/2026Reference #: REF8623QJob Code: 531.3 Sr Technologist-ElectronicsOrganization: EngineeringPosition Type: Career IndefiniteSecurity Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)Medical Exam: Not applicable Company DescriptionJoin us and make YOUR mark on the World!Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.Job DescriptionWe have multiple openings for Lasers & Alignment Systems Engineering (LASE) Shift Leads - National Ignition Facility. You will lead scope of work and provide advanced technical support for Power Conditioning System (PCS) / Plasma Electrodes Pockels Cells (PEPC), Beam Control Systems (BCS), Injection Laser Systems (ILS) shot operations and maintenance tasks, serving as the team point of contact to support the National Ignition Facility’s (NIF). When not in the control room, you will also develop, test, troubleshoot, evaluate, operate, and maintain complex experimental, research, and prototype equipment within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. NIF is a 24/7 operational facility and requires working 12hr shifts, and weekends, may also require working overtime, to accomplish goals; some work will occur in Radiological environments. These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.In this role, you will Lead shot and scheduled maintenance activities during the shift; provide oversight and guidance to the team for work execution on NIF and other LASE laboratoriesPrepare and work from instructional procedures to repair, calibrate, operate, and maintain complex equipment and systems.Make recommendations for improving operations and maintenance approaches, plans, and procedures.Perform maintenance and assist in developing test parameters, troubleshooting, and testing materials, components, or systems, identifying problems, and providing input on solutions to complex problems.Identify and analyze data, providing solutions and alternate approaches to complex electronic, high voltage, or photonics problems using individual creativity and judgment, independently, under minimal supervision; prioritize and provide work and technical guidance to others, checking for accuracy, completeness, and function.Independently deploy, fabricate, troubleshoot, assemble, and disassemble complex electronic, high voltage, or photonics components and systems, including planning and selecting materials, equipment, and methods with limited direction.Ensure Ops and Problem logs generated during shift are complete, accurate, and sent to appropriate personnel.Provide status updates to management on maintenance, commissioning, and operations activities performed by the team during the shift.Provide advanced Electronics and/or Laser Electro-Optics technical support to scientists, engineers, and high-level technical personnel for laser and power conditioning systemsProvide training, guidance, mentorship, and leadership for earlier career members.Develop, maintain, and improve documentation for the operations team.Perform other duties as assigned.QualificationsAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.Associate degree in engineering technology such as electronics or photonics, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.Advanced technical skills, knowledge, and experience in electronic and/or photonics assembly, including troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance in a large, multi-beam laser system in areas such as beam alignment, cryogenic operations, laser operations, conventional, or process utilities.Advanced technical skills and knowledge of engineering principles to solve complex problems using established guidelines, techniques, and procedures.Experience interpreting and troubleshooting work involving fabrication, assembly, calibration, testing, repair, and/or maintenance, making recommendations and/or mentoring others.Advanced skills, knowledge, and abilities working with electronic circuits and systems.Advanced computer skills and knowledge of office software, including word processing and spreadsheets, necessary to produce supportive documentation.Effective written and verbal communication, feedback, and presentation skills, including experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.Experience working in a large-scale manufacturing or scientific research facility operations environment.Experience applying institutional safety, radiological, electrical, high-voltage, and operational work controls, as applicable.Ability to have shift flexibility, including working overtime, shifts, weekends, and/or alternate work schedules as required to respond to facility needs.Qualifications We DesireQualified NIF PCS/PEPC/BCS/ILS operators.Qualified NIF DWTL.Pay Range$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.Additional Information#LI-OnsitePosition InformationThis is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!Flexible Benefits Package401(k)Relocation AssistanceEducation Reimbursement ProgramFlexible schedules (*depending on project needs)Our values - visit Security ClearanceThis position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. Pre-Employment Drug TestExternal applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.Wireless and Medical DevicesPer the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices. If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. 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