Location: Livermore, CA
Title: Engineering Technician V - Computer Control Systems Operator (NWS 00960)
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.
The Light Matter and Fusion (LMF) directorate, has an opening for an Engineering Technician to serve as the Computer Control Systems Operator responsible for the operational support of control systems software, databases, networks, and hardware required to perform successful laser shots at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The NIF system is a large, sophisticated design that requires the candidate to have the technical skills, attention to detail and the ability to work in a team environment.
The successful candidate must have demonstrated exceptional ability providing installation, operation, and/or commissioning of complex software supporting large computer-based control systems. The successful candidate will work in the NIF Control Room and have responsibilities for starting and stopping complex and integrated software processes, executing checklists and procedures, monitoring the health of associated subsystems and additional software supporting the setup and analysis experiments, monitoring network and server health, performing basic hardware troubleshooting, documenting problems/changes, and gathering data for developers to resolve software problems. The successful candidate will interact with all subsystem operators, engineers, engineering associates, and other technologists. This position interacts with all levels of management both within and outside the NIF & Photon Sciences Directorate and under limited supervision reports to the NIF&PS Control Systems Software Standards and Quality Manager.
NIF is a 24/7 operational facility and will require working a 12-hour shift, 3 days one week and 4 days the next. This schedule consists of 10 hours of regular pay plus 2 hours of overtime, with shift differential pay for night shift. Shifts may include weekends and holidays. Some work may occur in radiological environments.
Essential Duties
-Acquire detailed understanding of the structure, operation and deployment plans of the ICCS and Shot Data System (SDS) suite of software applications supporting the setup and analysis of laser experiments.
-Provide computer-based support for thick-client and web-client software Java applications.
-Monitor processes during operations, commissioning, and new software release testing.
-Troubleshoot including restarting of servers and database connections.
-Troubleshoot and repair routine hardware failures and update device configuration information as needed.
-Analyze software problems and gather data for feedback to developers.
-Work directly with engineers and hardware technicians to troubleshoot, commission, and qualify equipment and devices.
-Support formal testing and commissioning activities, including updating database set-points for various hardware devices.
-Provide feedback, document issues, and communicate the status of the system.
Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- AS degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Technology or 4+ years of equivalent combination of education and experience.
-Use of computer-based software applications such as web-based form applications utilizing a Java Thick Client.
-Experience with Oracle SQL, SolarWinds, SPLUNK, Linux/Unix and command-line environments.
-Experience with electronic and computer-based instrumentation and control systems, interlock systems, and mechanical hardware.
-Knowledge of supervisory control systems and equipment, and computer communications networking equipment.
-IT experience including an understanding of IP networks, switches and desktop support.
-Formal configuration control practices.
- Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills including conditional formatting and formula usage.
Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
-BS degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Technology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
-Experience supporting computer control systems, especially large laser systems.
-Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables and Visual Basic.
-Excellent attention to detail in written correspondence, i.e., written logs, permits, procedures and briefing materials.
-Professional phone, radio, and face-to-face communication skills and experience with virtual meeting platforms and speaking and presenting in front of small to medium audiences.
-Excellent multitasking and coordination efforts in a fast-paced and time-critical environment.
Special Requirements
Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
Pre-employment drug test: External applicants selected for this position will be required to pass a post offer, pre-employment drug test.
Anticipated Government Clearance Level: Q (position will be cleared to this level). Applicants who are selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matters. 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.
North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave, and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people. For more information about benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the North Wind Career Opportunities Page.
