Electronics Technologist - Target Diagnostic Operator

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is seeking talented and self‐motivated Electronics Technologists in the Target Diagnostic Operations team. You will be responsible for operating diagnostics to collect scientific data for NIF experiments, configuring/timing diagnostics, performing diagnostic installation/operational qualifications, & diagnostic maintenance/calibration. You will be responsible for diagnostic troubleshooting, commissioning, alignment, data recovery, facility preparations, etc. within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. You will also interact regularly with other technicians, scientists, designers, and engineers.

NIF is a 24/7 operational facility, with the Target Diagnostic Operators typically working an alternating three and four-day 12hr shift, with the last two hours of each shift being overtime. The dayshift work hours are from 06:30-19:30 with the night shift hours from 18:30-07:30. Dayshifts work either Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday, or Thursday to Saturday and every other Wednesday. Night shifts work either Sunday to Tuesday and every other Saturday night or Wednesday to Friday and every other Saturday night.

Some 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.

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

In this role, you will 

• Operate diagnostic equipment, including oscilloscopes, camera systems, power supplies, trigger generators, various detectors, as well as associated hardware, to collect scientific data in a large, moderately complex laser experimental facility using a computer-controlled graphical user interface (GUI).
• Configure, align, test, troubleshoot, and document moderately complex diagnostic systems.
• Acquire and analyze general data and test results using established performance parameters to report results and identify problems.
• Support the setup, integration, and operation of a large, moderately complex laser facility by assisting with system preparation, coordination of equipment readiness, and reliable facility operation.
• Assist in identifying optical, mechanical, and electrical components to resolve a wide range of technical problems in diagnostic systems.
• Contribute to the documentation of operation and test procedures.
• Follow and adhere to operational & safety procedures in accordance with SSQE (safety, security, quality, & efficiency), business practice requirements and policies while completing job assignments.
• Ability to adapt to system changes, changing priorities, and processes to complete experiments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in an engineering technology such as Laser and Electro-Optics, Mechanical or Electrical Technologies, or equivalent combination of education and experience related to the essential skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• Intermediate experience with diagnostic instrumentation used in a scientific research laboratory (oscilloscopes, interferometers, spectrometers, photometers, multimeters, power supplies, etc.).
• Intermediate experience with setting priorities in a time-critical and moderately complex organization.
• Intermediate experience in electronic and/or photonics troubleshooting.
• Ability to recognize and decipher technical data.
• Experience in safe work and business practices.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. in a safe & controlled manner and climb ladders.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity of control remote devices/hardware using computer-based systems.
• Experience in LASER table alignment.
• Experience with opto-mechanical and electro-optical troubleshooting.
• Experience working within a nuclear, military, or highly technical laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work on complex systems including optical, electrical, and mechanical components.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel.

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.  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 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

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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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