Location: Livermore, CA
Title: Engineering Technician V - PCS Operations & Maintenance Technician (NWS 00940)
This position supports 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 NIF&PS Directorate has an opening for an Engineering Technician V. The NIF laser is the world's most powerful laser system, capable of producing over 2 MJ of optical energy. The successful candidate will operate the Power Conditioning System (PCS) and the Plasma-Electrode Pockels Cell (PEPC) systems through the high-level computer control system following detailed procedures. The PCS employs one hundred ninety-two high voltage (24 KV), high-energy (1.7 MJ per module) capacitor bank modules used to power the large flash lamps in the NIF solid-state laser amplifiers. The PEPC system employs high voltage electronics and sophisticated controls hardware and software to implement an optical switch topology for the 192 beams of the NIF main laser. These systems include: high voltage power supplies, pulsed power hardware and circuits, analog, and digital controls hardware and software, embedded computers and diagnostics. The successful candidate will be expected to operate both systems remotely using Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and perform site maintenance including electrical distribution, high voltage -equipment, digital circuits analog circuits, vacuum controls, compressed air controls and/or major system configurations across multiple engineering disciplines. Primary interactions will be with the lead operators, shot directors, system managers and electrical engineering support personnel.
NIF is a 24/7 operational facility, and operators typically work a 12-hour shift to support operations, with the last two hours of each shift being overtime. The dayshift working hours are from 6:30AM-7:30PM and the owl shift hours are from 6:30PM-7:30AM. Dayshifts work either Sunday-Tuesday and ending every other Wednesday, or Thursday to Saturday and starting every other Wednesday. Owl shifts work either Sunday to Tuesday and start every other Saturday night or Wednesday to Friday and end every other Saturday night. 12-hour shifts are not guaranteed and may change in the future.
The successful candidate will be required to pass various on-site training modules to pursue work assignments.
Essential Duties
- Operate the Power Conditioning System (PCS) and Plasma-Electrode Pockels Cell (PEPC) using high-level computer controls to support the world's most powerful laser at the National Ignition Facility.
- Diagnose and resolve issues with high-voltage modules, analog and digital circuits, and control systems using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes and computer-based systems.
- Perform hands-on maintenance and acceptance testing of critical components, including plasma pulse generators and turbo pumps, to ensure equipment is always ready for high-stakes operations.
- Accurately document repairs, maintenance actions, and system status, and communicate effectively to ensure smooth shift transitions and minimal downtime.
- Manage spare parts inventory for critical systems, ensuring that essential components are always available.
- Follow detailed safety procedures to render high-voltage systems safe for maintenance, conduct area "sweeps" before laser operations, and uphold rigorous Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H) standards.
- Provide input on new and existing procedures, automate trend reviews, and contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence.
- Work closely with scientists, engineers, and technicians to solve complex problems and deliver mission-critical results in a 24/7 operational environment.
Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- AA/AS degree in Electronics Technology, or at least four years of equivalent experience.
- Strong knowledge of electrical schematics, assembly drawings, analog and digital circuits.
- Skilled in troubleshooting, repairing, and upgrading high-voltage and power systems, control hardware, and vacuum or mechanical technologies.
- Comfortable with computer-based control systems and diagnostics, and able to learn new technologies quickly.
- Proficient with hand tools and mechanical assemblies; adept at cable terminations, connectors, and timing documentation.
- Capable of making independent, logical decisions under pressure and with minimal supervision.
- Deep understanding of safe work practices in high-voltage environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; organized, reliable, and proactive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team setting.
Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Familiarity with fiber optic cables.
- Experience with creating and maintaining documentation (including simple schematics).
- Familiarity with Windows operating systems, PCs, networked drives and servers, web-based applications, and embedded computers.
- Experience with Microsoft Office and LabVIEW.
- Experience operating or maintaining vacuum systems and low-pressure (100 psi) systems.
- Experience with lock-out tag-out (LOTO) procedures.
- Experience in the design and implementation of electronic/computer controls as well as actuators, motors, pneumatics, and sensors.
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.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline [redacted] or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form to get assistance.
