Target Diagnostics Engineer

We have an opening for a motivated and technically skilled mid-to-senior level Target Diagnostics Engineer to join and support the National Ignition Facility (NIF) Target Diagnostics group. The ideal candidate for this role is someone eager to develop advanced expertise in target diagnostic instrumentation data analysis hands-on troubleshooting and system modeling. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting ongoing operations driving technical improvements with support for new and current target diagnostics on NIF. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level

In this role you will

• Function independently with minimal direction taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives prioritize parallel tasks allocate resources and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Provide advanced level technical support for NIF Target Diagnostics System Managers with instrument optimization design upgrades data analysis and applied operational troubleshooting for plasma x-ray gamma neutron optical and high-speed electrical systems.
• Develop and implement test procedures computational algorithms and experimental setups for testing and calibration of complex diagnostic systems on NIF.
• Conduct comprehensive analysis of target diagnostic experimental shot data using software tools like Python to assess and verify the operational health and performance of systems.
• Provide technical design expertise and analytical support for development projects focused on new diagnostic capabilities.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical problems and contribute to system modeling initiatives.
• Perform signal processing to analyze filter and interpret data from sensors and detectors.
• May mentor other less experienced team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level

• Operate under consultative direction with substantial authority using in-depth analysis and subject matter expertise in highly advanced concepts to resolve a diverse range of highly complex problems independently determine strategies modify approaches and pursue actions that impact organizational operations or directions and achieve long-term goals.
• Develop implement and utilize innovative multidisciplinary approaches and technology to lead comprehensive system modeling efforts to predict diagnostic performance that guides the development of novel plasma diagnostic requirements.
• Establish project vision and strategy and influence technical direction to drive successful outcomes for deliverables.
• Provide highly advanced technical guidance and mentorship to technical staff across the target diagnostic engineering and science organizations fostering their technical development and supporting their growth within the team.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in physics applied physics nuclear engineering electrical engineering or a relevant technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced level knowledge of and demonstrated practical experience with the application and development of building testing and deploying complex diagnostic instrument hardware systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in technical troubleshooting test plan development experimental testing and data analysis.
• Advanced level knowledge of and experience developing and utilizing programming (esp. Python) particularly for data/image/signal processing analysis and hardware interface control.
• Proficient with electrical diagnostic hardware including oscilloscopes imaging sensors and other data acquisition systems.
• Experience with one or more of the following diagnostics: x-ray diagnostics nuclear diagnostics optical diagnostics laser systems or high-speed diagnostics (steak cameras photodetectors gated/framing cameras).
• Experience with hardware control and software automation using Python.
• Advanced level problem-solving skills and a demonstrated hands-on approach to engineering challenges.
• Advanced written and verbal technical communication skills including the ability to prepare technical reports deliver presentations and explain technical information.
• Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 Level

• Expert-level knowledge and significant applied experience with one more of the following areas: x-ray diagnostics nuclear diagnostics optical diagnostics laser systems or high-speed diagnostics (steak cameras photodetectors gated/framing cameras). 
• Significant experience in the development of highly advanced principles theories concepts and techniques relevant to target and experimental diagnostics.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills and experience authoring reports/publications and delivering effective technical presentations as well as expert facilitation and collaboration skills to effectively influence and advise senior management and external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced degree M.S. or Ph.D in physics applied physics nuclear engineering electrical engineering or a closely related technical field and or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Significant experience with High Energy Density diagnostic instrument development for operational experimental facilities such as NIF Omega academic laboratories etc.
• Demonstrated systems engineering and project management experience.

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 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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  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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time