Mechanical Technologist - Cryogenic Operations - National Ignition Facility

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 124,789,000 - 152,898,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Education Reimbursement Program

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking Mechanical Technologists to install targets and gas bottles, supporting the Cryogenic Target Systems Group for NIF experiments on a 3/12-4/12 schedule. The role involves operating cryogenic and vacuum systems, high‑value targets, and remote GUI controlled equipment within radiological environments.

Candidates must be able to obtain a DOE Q‑level clearance, have an associate degree in Mechanical or Electrical Technologies or equivalent work

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance.
• Experience with cryogenic/vacuum systems considered a plus.
• Strong teamwork in a technical environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, align, and prepare hardware in Target Area for NIF shot operations.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cryogenic and vacuum systems.
• Work remotely via GUI controlled equipment and follow safety procedures.
• Provide technical support for engineering tests and experiments.
• Document system operation and test procedures.

Skills

DOE clearance eligibility

Mechanical maintenance

Vacuum systems

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Mechanical/Electrical Technologies

Job description

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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 Description

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is seeking talented and self-motivated Mechanical Technologists to install targets and gas bottles and provide operational support for the Cryogenic Target Systems Group supporting complex and critical NIF experiments. In this role, you will provide advanced maintenance and operational support on the NIF target positioners and target gas manifolds, working with vacuum, x-rays, and pressurized gas systems for the targets that support the critical operations of the world's most energetic laser system. The primary responsibilities include exchanging high value targets, gas bottles, reservoirs, and operations and maintenance on cryogenic and gas filled systems using remote complex computer-based equipment. This position requires work with hazardous materials in a radioactive environment, and active participation in task specific safety meetings. The successful candidate will have good attention to detail, identify process improvements, and seek to understand complex operational systems. The Engineering Technician will also have the communication skills to effectively interact with project leaders, technicians, designers and engineers, and will report to the NIF Operations Supervisor.

NIF is a 24/7 operational facility, and operators typically work on a 3/12-4/12 schedule to support operations, with the last two hours of each shift being overtime. The dayshift work hours are from 06:30-19:30 and the owl shift hours are from 18:30-07:30. Dayshifts 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 night or Wednesday to Friday and every other Saturday night.

Most work will occur in Radiological environments and the candidate will get trained prior to having access to those areas. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

These positions require full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

In this role, you will

• Install, align, and prepare hardware in the Target Area in support of NIF Shot Operations.
• Installation of precision and high-value targets.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cryogenic, vacuum, x-ray, and pressurized gas systems.
• Operate various systems and equipment remotely using a graphical user interface (GUI) computer controlled systems.
• Follow and adhere to written, operational, and safety procedures while completing job assignments.
• May occasionally work in Beryllium contaminated areas or other areas requiring a respirator.
• Provide technical support to engineering tests, physics experiments, and program operations.
• Provide input for documentation of system operation and test procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in Mechanical or Electrical Technologies or a combination of 4+ years of education and experience or previous military experience working on cryogenic/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 technical background using computer control and data acquisition systems or similar large systems.
• Experience working in a team environment in a technical environment.
• Ability to adapt to system changes, upgrades and processes to complete experiments.
• Must be able to use a respirator, work in confined spaces, lift and push 50 pounds, use portable ladders with a max 300 pound weight limit, and work from various heights.
• Must have the communication skills necessary to convey highly detailed procedures and verbally discuss technical information with personnel.
• Experience in safe work and business practices.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with operations and maintenance of vacuum systems and associated hardware.
• Experience with precision mechanical assembly, alignment, and testing.
• Experience working within a nuclear, military, or highly technical laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work on complex systems including optical, electrical, and mechanical.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly

This 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 needs.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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 Test

External 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 Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We 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 Accommodation

Our 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.

CaliforniaPrivacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob 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.