Engineering Technical Associate - Laser Systems Engineering and Operations Division

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.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate. You will apply advanced technical expertise in support of the broader Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion Directorate. Candidates may bring a background in Laser Electro-Optic Technology with strong mechanical skills or in Mechanical Technology with significant optics handling experience. In this key technical role, you will support the design and execution of precision potting, optical assembly, and prototype hardware work for delicate optics, optical components, mechanical systems, and facility operations. Responsibilities include precision assembly of hardware and facility systems, careful handling of delicate optics and optical components, development and refinement of potting fixtures, work instructions, and process controls, component-level metrology, complex survey support, and ownership of potting process readiness and related facility operations and maintenance. This position includes hands-on technical work involving complex mechanical systems, prototype equipment, testing operations, potting process readiness, and facility readiness. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & 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

• Develop original solutions to complex technical problems, determining appropriate work methods and establishing priorities to meet programmatic requirements.
• Provide advanced technical support for the design, assembly, integration, testing, qualification, troubleshooting, documentation, component-level metrology, and detailed survey of experimental, research, and prototype equipment and components for complex mechanical systems, based on specifications from engineers and scientists.
• Develop and refine potting processes, fixtures, tooling, work instructions, and handling controls for delicate optics and optical components, including operations that require patience, mechanical judgment, and extreme attention to detail.
• Lead facility operation and maintenance activities, including ownership of maintenance schedules and development and execution of maintenance procedures, to ensure reliable performance and sustained operational readiness.
• Provide advanced technical support for experimental and research activities through the application of industrial metrology principles, including establishing complex 3D coordinate systems, interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T requirements, using specialized metrology software for feature fitting, statistical analysis, and virtual assembly, and evaluating deviation data against design models.
• Provide design, evaluation, review, fabrication, testing, assembly, maintenance, and documentation of complex mechanical systems and associated support equipment.
• Evaluate potting materials, tooling approaches, assembly constraints, and process controls to improve repeatability, protect sensitive hardware, and support reliable delivery of program hardware.
• Conduct and participate in meetings and design reviews, including providing solutions, gathering feedback, documenting decisions and action items, and interfacing with other organizations internal to the Laboratory.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to technologists as needed, making frequent decisions using independent discretion and judgment, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Coordinate technical work across the Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion Principal Directorate and partner organizations to support shared potting needs, training, documentation, and long-term process capability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical technology, mechanical engineering technology, industrial technology, manufacturing technology, electro-optic technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
• Experience providing advanced hands-on technical support for complex mechanical systems, optical or electro-optic assemblies, prototype systems, and research equipment, including developing and refining test plans, troubleshooting methods, maintenance strategies, and operational plans.
• Advanced knowledge in precision assembly techniques, mechanical system troubleshooting, testing operations, technical documentation, and maintenance of complex systems.
• Significant experience handling delicate optics, optical components, precision cleaned parts, or similarly sensitive hardware in a controlled-process environment.
• Experience participating in engineering testing operations and analyzing results.
• Effective interpersonal skills and experience working independently as part of a multidisciplinary team in a schedule-driven environment.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members.
• Experience and knowledge working in a clean room environment with precision cleaned components and equipment.
• Experience supporting laser, photonics, electro-optic, optical assembly, or high-energy laser systems.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of materials, equipment, or technologies associated with precision mechanical systems, potting and adhesive processes, encapsulants, facility and maintenance support, and metrology.
• Knowledge of, or ability and willingness to learn, the use and application of FARO Arm and Laser Tracker, and the associated software.
• Experience supporting research, engineering, and facility management activities in a test, prototype, or operational facility environment.
• Quality Assurance and/or Quality Check documentation skills used in an engineering environment.
• Familiarity with CAD, engineering drawings, and configuration-controlled documentation.

Pay Range

$125,310 - $153,444 Annually

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.

Additional Information

#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

Site 300

Site 300 is an experimental test site operated by LLNL. Situated on 7,000 acres in rural foothills approximately six miles southwest of downtown Tracy and 15 miles southeast of Livermore, Site 300 hosts approximately 200 employees with expertise in such fields as engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental restoration. Employees assigned to work at Site 300 may be exposed to the organism that causes San Joaquin Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis).

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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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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

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