Radiation Effects Engineer

Fusion Energy Base; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 146,340 - 222,564; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement program

Flexible schedules

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA seeks a Radiation Effects Engineer to support radiation analyses for NIF target diagnostic hardware. The role requires on-site presence and involves independent research, test campaign leadership, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to mitigate radiation risks.

The candidate will design and evaluate radiation tests, document results, and mentor junior staff while contributing to process improvements for robust,

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance.
• Experience developing and conducting radiation effects tests and using results to assess hardware designs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of radiation effects in electronics and related recording techniques.
• Proficiency in electrical/electronic engineering to design or troubleshoot moderately complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent research into radiation effects in electronics and survivability for fusion facilities.
• Lead radiation effects test campaigns with data acquisition, analysis, and reporting.
• Act as point of contact for radiation effects in electronics and guidance to teams.
• Document test results to inform future hardware developments and maintain repositories.
• Contribute to process improvements to minimize radiation impact on operations.

Skills

Radiation effects engineering

Independent research

Electrical engineering knowledge

Test equipment operation

Strong communication

Systems engineering analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, or related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Power supplies

Delay generators

Power meters

Time-domain reflectometers

Job description

We have an opening for a Radiation Effects Engineer to work in the Target Diagnostic Engineering & Science (TDES) Group at the National Ignition Facility. You will support the development and evaluation of target diagnostic hardware and general NIF facility hardware through advanced radiation effects analyses and testing. The role requires full‑time on‑site presence.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent research into radiation effects in electronics and radiation survivability for fusion facilities.
• Select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to design and conduct radiation effects tests on electronic components (total dose, prompt dose rate, single event upsets, displacement damage, etc.).
• Serve as a point of contact for radiation effects in electronics, providing guidance to NIF team leads, system owners, and project engineers.
• Lead radiation effects test campaigns, including the development of moderately complex to complex electrical and electronics designs, data acquisition, data analysis, and reporting to internal working groups.
• Use radiation test results from reports and published literature to assess potential risks to existing NIF hardware and support electrical design teams by identifying radiation risks and mitigations.
• Document test and analysis results to inform future hardware developments and maintain a repository of radiation effects test results and analyses pertaining to NIF equipment.
• Contribute to the development of process improvements to minimize the impact of damaging radiation effects on NIF operations and help manage activities that protect NIF hardware from radiation environments.
• Implement and manage the execution of radiation effect mitigation strategy.
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and may represent the organization by providing input on technical issues for specific projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• For SES.3 level: Provide advanced technical knowledge, set technical strategy, lead corrective actions, mentor junior members, lead project leadership activities, and serve on internal and external advisory committees.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Comprehensive experience and ability to perform independent work in radiation effects engineering or similar fields.
• Comprehensive knowledge of electrical, optical, x‑ray, or nuclear recording techniques and radiation effects in electronics.
• Experience developing and conducting radiation effects tests and using test results to assess hardware designs.
• Proficiency in electrical or electronic engineering skills to design, deploy, or troubleshoot moderately complex systems.
• Experience with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, delay generators, power meters, and time‑domain reflectometers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration, presentation, and documentation.
• Experience performing systems engineering analysis techniques on real‑world problems.
• Ability to work in confined or restricted movement areas, climb stairs, stand or walk for long periods, and pass NIF Radiological Worker I qualification.

Preferred Qualifications (SES.3 Level)

• Advanced knowledge and experience in design and/or analysis of systems that operate in a radiation environment.
• Advanced understanding of neutron radiation damage or other neutron effects, particularly from MeV neutrons.
• Experience identifying, defining, and solving multidisciplinary electrical or electronic problems in a timely, cost‑effective manner.
• Ability to devise solutions for unique and complex problems in ill‑defined situations.
• Leadership, management, and mentoring experience with junior team members.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills for presenting to management and advisory committees.
• Experience in a project leadership role and/or overseeing the activities of other personnel.

Pay Range

• $146,340 – $222,564 Annually (total)

• $146,340 – $185,544 Annually for SES.2 level

• $175,530 – $222,564 Annually for SES.3 level

Position Information

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

Security Clearance: DOE Q‑level clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Relocation assistance
• Education reimbursement program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)
• Comprehensive benefits package

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 recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

California Privacy Notice

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 LLNL collects and for what purpose.

Legal Statement

All candidates must pass a post‑offer, pre‑employment drug test, which includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies. This position requires a Department of Energy Q‑level clearance and may be subject to random drug testing.

EEO Statement

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information.