Careers

This position is 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 or 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 principals 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 system
• 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 opto-mechanical, 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 applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Subcontractor.

Anticipated 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 matter. 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.