Engineering Technician V – Cryogenics Operator (NWS 00949)

North Wind Group; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

North Wind Services (NWS) seeks an Engineering Technician V to support Cryogenic Target Operations at LLNL in Livermore. The role blends hands-on maintenance of cryogenic and gas systems with remote console work using complex computer control systems, requiring self-motivation, adaptability, and a commitment to safety.

You will install precision, high-value targets for NIF Shot Operations, troubleshoot cryogenic, vacuum, x-ray and pressurized gas systems, and operate advanced equipment remotely.

Qualifications

• A.A. in Mechanical or Electrical Technologies or 4+ years related experience
• Experience maintaining cryogenic and vacuum systems
• Ability to learn and operate complex computer control and data acquisition systems
• Strong attention to detail and adaptability to system changes
• Experience working in technical team environments

Responsibilities

• Install precision high-value targets for NIF Shot Operations
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cryogenic, vacuum, x-ray, and pressurized gas systems
• Safely rig and hoist using established protocols
• Operate systems remotely via computer-based control systems
• Record and analyze data, and present findings to Field Leads
• Follow ES&H, Security and business procedures
• Work with hazardous materials in a radioactive environment
• May work in Be-containing areas and respirator-required zones
• Interact with project leaders, technicians, designers, and engineers

Skills

Cryogenic systems

Vacuum systems

Mechanical maintenance

Remote control systems

Data acquisition

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

A.A. in Mechanical or Electrical Technologies

Tools

Computer control systems

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Location: Livermore, CA Title: Engineering Technician V – Cryogenics Operator (NWS 00949)

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.

As 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

• Installation of precision, high-value targets for NIF Shot Operations.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain 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 ES&H, 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.
• Work will involve confined spaces, climbing ladders, stairs, and potentially 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.
• Experience working on remotely operated equipment.
• 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

• 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 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.

• health, life, and disability insurance benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• generous paid leave
• tuition reimbursement for eligible employees

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 +1.208.528.8718 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.

The 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 NW collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here: https://northwindgrp.com/wp-com.