Senior Mechanical Technologist - Optics Processing Shift Lead

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Education Reimbursement Program

Flexible schedules

Flexible benefits package

401(k)

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking an Optics Processing Shift Lead to manage the flow of optics and components through the OPF on a given shift within the NIF&PS Directorate. This full-time, on-site role is central to the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations Division.

You will supervise processing technicians, train new staff, and collaborate with engineers and maintenance teams to resolve production issues and create work orders for optics.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certificate/diploma with relevant coursework and experience in a technical/engineering field that includes mechanical training.
• Experience providing advanced technical support to manage the workflow of optical components.
• Experience overseeing the work of and training technicians.
• Experience creating work orders for optics and optical assemblies, logging issues via formal reports, and recommending corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Manage prioritization and workflow of parts through the OPF.
• Oversee the technical work of processing technicians on your shift.
• Train new employees as needed.
• Resolve production-related issues with optics production management, process engineers, and maintenance personnel.
• Create work orders for optics and assemblies.
• Analyze equipment/process issues and document findings in logs.

Skills

Optics workflow management

Team supervision & training

Vendor & cross-functional coordination

Documentation & reporting

Education

Associate degree or equivalent in mechanical/industrial/manufacturing/electro-optic technology

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.

Job Description

We have an opening for an Optics Processing Shift Lead. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world’s most energetic laser. It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved fusion ignition in December 2022, a historic moment in science, opening new physics regimes and setting the stage for new fusion energy possibilities.

You will work with managers and top‑level technical personnel to manage the flow of optics and optical components through the Optics Processing Facility (OPF) over a given work shift. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full‑time on‑site presence due to the nature of the work.

In this role, you will

• Manage the overall prioritization and workflow of parts through the OPF.
• Oversee the technical work of processing technicians on your shift.
• Train new employees as needed.
• Work with optics production management, process engineers, and engineering and maintenance personnel to resolve production‑related issues.
• Create work orders for optics and optical assemblies.
• Analyze equipment and process issues, document findings in formal problem logs, and recommend corrective actions to restore and improve optics‑processing operations.
• Create Non‑Conformance Reports for parts that do not meet requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or electro‑optic technology; a related technical certificate or diploma with relevant coursework and work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field that includes mechanical training.
• Experience providing advanced technical support to manage the workflow of optical components.
• Experience overseeing the work of and training technicians.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience working with optics vendors, engineers, and maintenance personnel to resolve complex production‑related issues while working under minimal direction.
• Experience creating work orders for optics and optical assemblies, logging related issues via formal reports, and making recommendations.

Qualifications We Desire

• Highly organized, reliable, and dependable with a demonstrated ability to manage a variety of activities concurrently.

Pay Range

$52.23 - $63.97 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.

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

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

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q‑level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet 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 use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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.

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