Engineering Technician V - Cryogenics Operator (NWS 00867)

North Wind Services LLC; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Generous paid leave

Job summary

A government contractor is looking for an Engineering Technician V to support the National Ignition Facility at LLNL. The candidate will operate and maintain cryogenic systems, perform troubleshooting, and work on data analysis. This role demands a self-motivated individual with strong technical skills and a commitment to excellence. U.S. citizenship and good physical condition are required, along with the ability to learn complex systems in a collaborative environment. Competitive benefits are offered with a focus on employee wellness.

Qualifications

• Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age.
• Physical ability to lift/push 50 pounds and work in confined spaces.
• Experience in technical team environments is essential.

Responsibilities

• Complete qualifications to operate and maintain cryogenic target systems.
• Perform troubleshooting and maintenance on advanced systems.
• Record and analyze data and present findings.

Skills

Strong technical skills

Ability to learn complex control systems

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Education

A.A. in Mechanical or Electrical Technologies

4+ years of relevant experience

Tools

Vacuum systems

Cryogenic systems

Job description

Engineering Technician V - Cryogenics Operator (NWS 00867)

North Wind Services is actively seeking a highly motivated individual with strong technical skills and a commitment to excellence to join our supplemental labor team supporting the Department of Energy at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Our team contributes to national security through science, technology, and engineering at vital federal research and development installations.

The ideal candidate is one who thrives in dynamic environments and is eager to develop their expertise while supporting cutting‑edge operations. This position combines hands‑on field work with remote operations using computer‑based systems, offering a unique opportunity to work with advanced technologies in a highly technical and collaborative environment.

Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, and able to meet pre‑employment requirements, including physicals, drug screenings, and background investigations to satisfy clearance requirements from the Department of Energy.

Successful candidates will be employees of North Wind Services, a premier government contractor dedicated to employing well‑qualified personnel to advance LLNL’s mission in Livermore, CA. While employed by North Wind Services, the employee will take day‑to‑day directions from LLNL technical personnel. Pay, benefits, and employment management functions are provided by North Wind Services.

This position supports the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the world’s largest and most energetic laser facility. NIF is renowned for its precision and reproducibility, housing nearly 40,000 optics that guide, amplify, and focus 192 laser beams on fusion targets the size of a pencil eraser.

The NIF Facility is looking for an Engineering Technician V in the Cryogenic Target Operations group; the employee will play a critical role in maintaining and operating advanced systems that support NIF’s groundbreaking experiments. This position offers a distinctive combination of field work—including hands‑on maintenance of cryogenic and gas systems—and remote console work using complex computer control systems.

The role requires a self‑motivated individual who is eager to learn, adapt, and drive their own qualifications while contributing to the success of NIF operations.

Essential Duties

• Complete required qualifications to operate and maintain cryogenic target systems.
• Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, and operation of cryogenic, vacuum, x‑ray, and pressurized gas systems.
• Operate rigging and hoisting equipment safely and efficiently, ensuring proper handling and adherence to established protocols.
• Operate advanced systems and equipment remotely using computer‑based control systems.
• Record and analyze data, presenting findings to Field Leads.
• Follow detailed operational and safety procedures to ensure compliance with ESH&Q, Security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Work with hazardous materials in a radioactive environment and actively participate in task‑specific safety meetings.
• May work in Beryllium contaminated areas and in other areas where respirator use is required.
• Perform evaluations of equipment, which may involve confined spaces, climbing ladders, stairs, or working at heights.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit at a computer console for periods of time, with consideration for ergonomic practices and regular breaks as needed.
• Identify process improvements and contribute to the optimization of complex operational systems.
• Collaborate effectively with project leaders, technicians, designers, and engineers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• A.A. in Mechanical or Electrical Technologies, or 4+ years of education and experience (including military experience) working on cryogenic/vacuum systems.
• Working knowledge of mechanical maintenance practices, including plumbing, hardware, and electrical systems related to vacuum operations.
• Ability to learn and operate complex computer control and data acquisition systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to adapt to system changes, upgrades, and processes.
• Experience working in technical team environments.
• Physical ability to use a respirator, work in confined spaces, lift/push 50 pounds, and climb portable ladders (max 300‑pound weight limit).
• Excellent communication skills to convey detailed procedures and discuss technical information.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Completion of the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School.
• Experience with vacuum system operation and maintenance.
• Familiarity with complex computer control systems for remote opto‑mechanical device operation.
• Experience in nuclear, military, or highly technical laboratory environments.

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 must pass a post‑offer, pre‑employment drug test (including testing for marijuana use, as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Subcontractor).
• Anticipated Government Clearance: Q - This position requires a Q‑level clearance. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required, and individuals holding multiple citizenships may need to renounce their non‑U.S. citizenship before clearance is granted.

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

Reasonable accommodation 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.