Engineering Technician V - Target Area Operator (NWS 00871)

Engineering Technician V

• Target Area Operator (NWS 00871) North Wind Services LLC $39.51
• $45.00 / hr tuition reimbursement, 401(k) United States, California, Livermore 7000 East Avenue (Show on map) Apr 18, 2026 Engineering Technician V
• Target Area Operator (NWS 00871) 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.

NWS has an established history of contributing to the success of their customer's mission. Available employment opportunities may range from administrative and logistical support to advanced technical positions. 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, a premier government contractor charged with employing highly motivated and well-qualified personnel who can advance the missions of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA. Though employed by NWS, the employee will take day-to-day direction from technical personnel employed directly by the research laboratories. Pay, benefits, Human Resource, and Employment Management functions are provided by NWS. This position supports the National Ignition Facility (NIF) which is the world's largest and most energetic laser facility ever built. 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. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is seeking a talented and self-motivated Engineering Technician to perform installation and removal of diagnostic hardware that supports critical NIF experiments. The primary responsibilities include installing complex diagnostic hardware of assorted sizes per procedures, installing/removing large optics up to 70 lbs., performing quality assurance inspections, and creating and uploading files to computer databases. Secondary responsibilities include hoisting and rigging large loads, troubleshooting both mechanical and electrical assemblies, and working on/around X-ray sources. This requires a versatile, broad-based Engineering Technician capable of supporting the installation and commissioning of complex hardware which involves configuration, setup and maintenance of mechanical and vacuum subsystems in support of "Shot Operations" in a large complex, tightly secured facility. The successful candidate will also record data, identify process improvements, will have to work with hazardous materials in a radioactive environment. The Engineering Technician will also have the communication skills to effectively interact with scientists, technicians, designers and engineers and will report to the NIF Target Area Operations Supervisor. Due to the vast and varying types of experiments, NIF is a 24/7 operational facility. This position requires operators to work on a 3/12-4/12 shift schedule to support operations, with the last two hours of each shift being overtime. The day shift work hours are from 06:30-19:30 and the owl shift hours are from 18:30-07:30. Day shifts 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 or Wednesday to Friday and every other Saturday night. The successful candidate will be required to pass various on-site training modules to pursue work assignments. The successful candidate will be required to obtain a Q-Level Security Clearance through the Department of Energy. Essential Duties

• Provide mechanical support for the assembly, installation, operation, repair and maintenance of NIF mechanical systems in accordance with approved procedures.
• Installation, alignment, test and document diagnostics in support of shot operations.
• Installation and removal of NIF Final Optics assemblies, weighing up to 70 lbs.
• Follow and adhere to written, operational and safety procedures while completing job assignments.
• Operate and maintain equipment through a graphical user interface-Safely handle radiologically contaminated components. Work may require the ability to use respirators. Marginal Duties
• Perform operation, troubleshooting and maintenance on vacuum and x-ray systems.
• Perform material handling of large equipment including rigging and using cranes. Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
• A.A. in Mechanical or Electrical Technologies or a combination of 4+ years of education and experience or previous military experience working on mechanical or 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 or technical background using computer control and data acquisition systems or similar large system.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and skillset.
• Ability to adapt to system changes, upgrades and processes to complete experiments.
• Must be detail oriented and be able to adhere to written procedures.
• Must be able to use a respirator, work in confined spaces and clean rooms, lift and push 50 pounds, use portable ladders with a max 300-pound weight limit, climb stairs, and work from various heights.
• Must have the communication skills necessary to convey highly detailed procedures and verbally discuss technical information with personnel.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain DOE Q Clearance. Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
• Experience with operation and maintenance of vacuum systems.
• Experience using complex computer control and data acquisition systems utilized in the remote control of opto-mechanical devices.
• Experience working within a nuclear, military, or highly technical laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work on complex systems including optical, electrical, and mechanical.

Special Requirements Pre-Placement Medical Exam:

A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

Pre-employment drug test:

External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Subcontractor.

Anticipated Government Clearance Level:

Q (position will be cleared to this level). Applicants 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 our 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 1-208-528-8714 for assistance. North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 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.