Engineering Technician V - Target Diagnostics Systems Operator (NWS 00857)

Location: Livermore, CA
Title: Engineering Technician V – Target Diagnostics Systems Operator (NWS 00857)

North Wind Services (NWS) is a high performing, low risk company with a successful history of contributing to their client's missions. NWS executes and manages a wide range of technical services such as environmental investigation and restoration, construction, demolition, radioactive and hazardous waste management, public communication/involvement, information management, health and safety, industrial hygiene, and emergency response/HAZMAT services.

North Wind Services is actively seeking individuals who can contribute to national security within the science, technology, and engineering fields as part of our supplemental labor team at vital federal research and development installations supporting the Department of Energy. Qualified applicants must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age, and able to meet pre-employment requirements including any required physicals, drug screen, and/or background investigation to satisfy clearance requirements from the Department of Energy.

Successful candidates will be employees of NWS supporting the missions of their federal client, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA. Pay, benefits, Human Resources, and employment management functions are all provided by NWS. As an NWS employee working at LLNL, within the client's environment, you will complete day-to-day tasks, with direction from technical personnel directly employed by LLNL.

This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate and supports projects within the Light Matter and Fusion (LMF) directorate, which houses the world's largest and most energetic laser facility ever built. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is also the most precise and reproducible laser as well as the largest optical instrument. The giant laser has nearly 40,000 optics, which precisely guide, reflect, amplify, and focus 192 laser beams onto a fusion target about the size of a pencil eraser.

Under supervision, the successful candidate will support diagnostics critical to NIF experimental operations. The primary responsibilities include operational support for NIF experiments, configuring diagnostics, performing diagnostic installation/operational qualifications, & diagnostic maintenance/calibration. This may involve providing testing, data acquisition/recording/interpretation and diagnostic support as required. Other responsibilities include diagnostic troubleshooting, commissioning, testing, timing, alignment, data recovery, facility preparations, etc. in support of experimental operations within the NIF. Interactions will be with scientists, technicians, designers, and engineers. Work will occur in radiological environments; work will require a Q clearance.

Due to the vast and varying types of experiments, LMF is a 24/7 operational facility. This position will require the Target Diagnostics Operator to have flexibility to work shifts and weekends to accomplish goals. This position will require working alternate schedules such as 12-hour shifts. The successful candidate will be required to pass various on-site training modules to pursue work assignments.

Essential Duties
- Working with large computer control system, through a GUI (graphical user interface), operate and maintain a large, complex laser experimental facility.
- Operate, setup, align, test and document complex diagnostic systems involving optical tables, oscilloscopes, camera systems, power supplies, trigger generators, diagnostic and control instrumentation, and associated hardware.
- Support the setup and operation of a large complex laser facility, including the configuration, execution and data acquisition of complex plasma interaction experiments.
- Assist in identifying associated optical, mechanical, and electrical components to solve a variety of engineering problems associated with diagnostic systems.
- Assist with the set-up, alignment, and debugging of systems in the preparation of experiments.
- Provide input for documentation of system operation and test procedures.
- Follow and adhere to operational and safety procedures in the course of completing job assignments.
- Perform all assignments in accordance with SSQE (safety, security, quality, & efficiency) and business practice requirements & policies.
- Ability to adapt to system changes, upgrades and processes to complete experiments.

Additional Duties
- Will work in various locations that involve radiation safety practices.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- AA in Laser and Electro-Optics, Mechanical or Electrical Technologies or an equivalent combination of 2+ years of education and experience related to the essential skills, knowledge, and abilities below.
- Experience with diagnostic instrumentation used in a scientific research laboratory (oscilloscopes, interferometers, spectrometers, photometers, multimeters, power supplies, etc.).
- Experience using computer control and data acquisition systems.
- Experience working in a team environment & independently.
- Experience with setting priorities in a time-critical and complex organization
- Ability to recognize and decipher technical data.
- Understanding of remotely controlled devices using computer-based systems or remote hardware.
- Must be able to work in confined spaces, lift and push 25 pounds, use portable and scaffold ladders, work from various heights, and repeated use of stairs.
- Ability to attain and retain a DOE Q-clearance.
- Dedication to workplace professionalism by adhering to ethical standards, respect for colleagues, and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Experience in laser alignment, optical, opto-mechanical and electro-optical design.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel.

Special Requirements
Pre-Placement Medical Exam : A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
Pre-employment drug test: External applicants selected for this position will be required to pass a post offer, pre-employment drug test.
Anticipated Government Clearance Level: Q (position will be cleared to this level). Applicants who are selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matters. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.

North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave, and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people. For more information about benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the North Wind Career Opportunities Page.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline Show phone number or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation ( form to get assistance.

North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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