Engineering Technician V Target Diagnostics Systems Operator NWS 00857

North Wind Group; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading government contractor is seeking an Engineering Technician – Target Diagnostics Systems Operator to support vital operations at the National Ignition Facility in Livermore, CA. Candidates will engage in complex laser systems diagnostics and operations, ensuring cutting-edge projects that contribute to national security. Responsibilities include assembling optical systems and collaborating with engineers. Ideal candidates should have an AA degree or equivalent experience and the ability to work in a dynamic, technical environment.

Qualifications

• US citizenship required with ability to pass background investigation.
• Must work in confined spaces and manage physical demands.
• Experience in scientific laboratories is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and test complex experimental systems.
• Support setup and operation of laser facility.
• Document and maintain experiment processes.

Skills

Experience with diagnostic instrumentation

Ability to learn computer control systems

Teamwork experience

Understanding of optical systems

Education

AA in Laser and Electro-Optics or related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrometers

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Job Title: Engineering Technician – Target Diagnostics Systems Operator (NWS 00857)

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 physical, 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 directions from technical personnel employed directly by the research laboratories. Pay, benefits, Human Resource, and Employment Management functions are provided by NWS.

These positions are supporting 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.

Under close supervision, the Target Diagnostics Operator will provide technical support in the fabrication, assembly, installation, activation and operation of complex laser‑electro‑optical, electronic and mechanical systems. Primary responsibilities include providing system operations and maintenance support of the NIF. Other responsibilities may involve providing testing, data acquisition/recording/interpretation and diagnostic support as required. Interactions will be with project leaders, technicians, designers and engineers.

Due to the vast and varying types of experiments, NIF is a 24/7 operational facility. This position may require the Target Diagnostics Operator to have the flexibility to work overtime, shift and weekends to accomplish goals. This position may also require working alternate schedules such as 4/10’s or 12-hour shifts. The successful candidate will be required to pass various on‑site training modules to pursue work assignments.

Essential Duties

• Assemble, align, test and document complex experimental systems involving CW and pulsed lasers, oscilloscopes, complex camera systems, power supplies, 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 laser 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 systems in the preparation of experiments.
• Working with large computer control system, through a graphical user interface, to operate and maintain a large, complex laser experimental facility.
• Provide input for documentation of system operation and test procedures.
• Will provide adjustments using Graphic User Interfaces (GUI’s).
• Follow and adhere to written, operational and safety procedures in the course of completing job assignments.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ESH&Q, Security and business practice requirements and policies.

Marginal Duties

• Will work in various locations that involve radiation safety practices.
• May occasionally work in Beryllium contaminated areas.

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, etc.).
• Experience using computer control and data acquisition systems.
• Extensive knowledge of the operating principles of lasers, electronics, mechanical design/fabrication and/or opto‑mechanical mechanisms.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Experience in time‑critical and complex organization and activities.
• Ability to learn technical background using computer control and data acquisition systems or similar large systems.
• Ability to recognize and decipher technical data.
• Understanding of remote control of devices using computer‑based systems or remote hardware.
• Ability to adapt to system changes, upgrades and processes to complete experiments.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces, lift and push 50 pounds, use portable and scaffold ladders, work from various heights, and repeated use of stairs.
• Ability to attain and retain a DOE Q‑clearance.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Experience in laser alignment, optical, opto‑mechanical and electro‑optical design.
• Experience designing optomechanical, mechanical, or electrical components or systems.
• Experience with data processing software, preferably IDL.

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 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 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 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.