Senior Vacuum Systems Technologist — Onsite

LLNL; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA is seeking a Laboratory Vacuum Equipment Technologist / Sr. Technologist to support vacuum-processing applications and high-vacuum systems. Role requires on-site presence and collaboration with engineers, scientists, and technicians across MED.

The position involves fabricating components, performing maintenance, leak detection, and system upgrades, with potential progression at the 533.3 level. DOE Q clearance and U.S.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in mechanical engineering technology, vacuum technology, manufacturing technology, welding technology, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing high-vacuum systems, including vacuum pumps, gauges, valves, seals, and associated components.
• Working knowledge of vacuum fundamentals, including roughing and high-vacuum pumping, pressure measurement, leak detection, and cleanliness practices.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, precision measuring equipment, and common fabrication equipment to fabricate, inspect, and assemble mechanical components.
• Experience operating conventional machine-shop equipment, including mills, lathes, drill presses, band saws, or similar fabrication equipment.
• Familiarity with CAD software, such as SolidWorks or similar mechanical-design software.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair vacuum systems, including roughing and high-vacuum pumps, vacuum gauges, valves, and associated hardware.
• Fabricate, machine, modify, and assemble mechanical components, high-vacuum hardware, experimental fixtures, and tooling using engineering drawings, hand and power tools, and conventional machine-shop equipment.
• Assemble and disassemble vacuum chambers and pumping systems; prepare sealing surfaces; replace vacuum gaskets; and install vacuum flanges, fittings, and piping using appropriate cleanliness and assembly practices.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical, vacuum, gas-delivery, cooling, and other laboratory-support systems.
• Assist with equipment installation, integration, testing, commissioning, and system upgrades, including vacuum-system modifications and pump replacements.
• Perform helium leak detection, pressure-rise testing, and pump-down diagnostics to identify leaks, evaluate vacuum performance, and verify repairs.
• Create or modify fabrication drawings and mechanical models using CAD software, such as SolidWorks or similar packages.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and engineering documentation.
• Support welding, brazing, and other joining processes, including component preparation, fixture assembly, and equipment setup.
• Maintain equipment documentation, maintenance records, calibration records, and experimental logs.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, scientists, machinists, and technical staff to support laboratory operations and research activities.
• Follow written operating procedures and maintain compliance with ES&H, security, and quality requirements.
• Occasionally work with radioactive materials, toxic materials, and solvents used in high-vacuum applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Additional job responsibilities, at the 533.3 level: Independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex vacuum, mechanical, and electromechanical system issues with minimal supervision.
• Lead the installation, commissioning, modification, maintenance, and repair of vacuum systems and laboratory equipment, including planning work sequences and verifying system performance.
• Design and fabricate mechanical fixtures, tooling, assemblies, and vacuum-system modifications to improve equipment reliability and laboratory capabilities.
• Determine fabrication methods, materials, tolerances, and assembly approaches in collaboration with engineers and technical staff.
• Develop maintenance procedures, work instructions, and technical documentation for vacuum-system operation, leak testing, fabrication, and equipment servicing.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship in vacuum practices, mechanical assembly, fabrication, and troubleshooting.

Skills

vacuum technology

hand tools

power tools

communication skills

security clearance readiness

MS Office

Education

Associate degree in mechanical engineering technology or related

Tools

SolidWorks

Machine-shop equipment

CAD software

Job description

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA is seeking a Laboratory Vacuum Equipment Technologist / Sr. Technologist to support vacuum-processing applications and high-vacuum systems. Role requires on-site presence and collaboration with engineers, scientists, and technicians across MED.

The position involves fabricating components, performing maintenance, leak detection, and system upgrades, with potential progression at the 533.3 level. DOE Q clearance and U.S.