Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate - NIF Sustainment

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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 an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate. You will provide advanced technical support for Amplifier Blastshield Installer (ABI) activities in support of amplifier refurbishment and broader National Ignition Facility (NIF) Sustainment special projects. You will serve in a key technical role responsible for building, testing, qualifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and documenting ABI units and supporting additional sustainment-related improvement projects. This position will support hands-on technical work associated with complex mechanical systems, prototype equipment, testing operations, and refurbishment readiness. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will Develop original solutions to complex technical problems, determining appropriate work methods and establishing priorities to meet programmatic requirements.

Provide advanced technical support for the build, test, assembly, qualification, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Amplifier Blastshield Installer units supporting amplifier refurbishment.

Build and test the first Amplifier Blastshield Installer unit this Fiscal Year and into early next year, and support qualification of the second unit.

Maintain Amplifier Blastshield Installer fleet readiness by identifying issues, implementing corrective actions, and supporting reliable operational availability as amplifier refurbishment activities begin.

Provide hands-on technical support through measurement, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing of complex components and systems based upon specifications from engineers and scientists.

Support Sustainment special projects, including factory improvements and Integrated Optics Module refurbishment-related improvement efforts.

Support efforts associated with Final Optics Damage Inspection, Target and Beam Alignment System, Beam Based Programmable Spatial Shaper, and Diode Pumped Multi Pass Amplifier as programmatic needs evolve.

Provide design, evaluation, review, fabrication oversight, testing, assembly, maintenance, and documentation of various complex mechanical systems and associated support equipment.

Conduct and participate in meetings and design reviews, including providing solutions, gathering feedback, documenting decisions and action items, and interfacing with other organizations internal to the Laboratory.

Provide technical guidance and direction to technologists as needed, making frequent decisions using independent discretion and judgment, and perform other duties as assigned.

QualificationsAbility to secure and maintain a

U.S. DOE

Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.

Bachelor's degree in mechanical technology, mechanical engineering technology, industrial technology, manufacturing technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field.

Experience providing advanced hands-on technical support for complex mechanical systems, prototype systems, refurbishment activities, or research and operations equipment.

Advanced knowledge in assembly techniques, mechanical system troubleshooting, testing operations, technical documentation, and maintenance of complex systems.

Experience participating in engineering testing operations and analyzing results.

Experience developing or refining test plans, troubleshooting methods, maintenance strategies, or operational plans for complex systems.

Effective interpersonal skills and experience working independently as part of a multidisciplinary team in a schedule-driven environment.

Possess advanced written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members.

Qualifications We DesireKnowledge of materials, equipment, or technologies associated with precision mechanical systems, refurbishment support, or metrology.

Experience supporting sustainment, refurbishment, factory improvement, or production-related technical activities.

Experience and knowledge working in a clean room environment with precision cleaned components and equipment.

Quality Assurance and/or Quality Check documentation skills used in an engineering environment.

Familiarity with CAD, engineering drawings, and configuration-controlled documentation.

Pay Range$125,310 - $153,444 AnnuallyThis is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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 needsAdditional 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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values 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. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings. How to identify fake job advertisementsPlease be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf Equal Employment OpportunityWe are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable AccommodationOur goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. California Privacy NoticeThe California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.