NIF Alignment Systems Engineering and Maintenance Leader

We are seeking a dynamic and accomplished leader to join our team as the Alignment Systems Engineering and Maintenance Leader within the National Ignition Facility and Photon Sciences (NIF&PS) this pivotal role you will provide both technical leadership and team management for the engineering and maintenance of advanced diagnostic target and laser beam alignment systems. You will collaborate closely with a diverse group of physicists engineers software developers designers and technicians to drive innovation and ensure the reliable performance of critical alignment systems that are integral to NIFs world-leading laser operations. This position is part of the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate and offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of large-scale high-impact scientific research.

This position will be filled at either the SEL.3 or SEL.4 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Lead teams programs or functions with a technical focus work independently with minimal direction use advanced knowledge and team leadership experience take significant responsibility and exercise judgment within established policies to monitor workflow allocate resources ensure timely completion of projects and achieve objectives while managing organizational impact.
• Provide technical mentorship and leadership to multidisciplinary teams supporting high-precision alignment hardware for diagnostics targets and laser beams.
• Establish maintain and ensure quality standards for project deliverables and guide project teams to execute the process in accordance with sponsor funding and integration expectations.
• Oversee all hardware design enhancements and modifications for alignment systems ensuring solutions meet evolving program requirements.
• Plan schedule and monitor the effectiveness of preventative maintenance and repair activities ensuring optimal system reliability and availability.
• Analyze system performance track downtime and response times for critical equipment and propose innovative solutions to enhance productivity.
• Prepare and present quarterly reliability and availability reports to management offering actionable insights.
• Lead guide and direct teams in the design prototyping testing and commissioning of new alignment equipment and systems.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation operational procedures calibration protocols and training materials.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and resolve complex problems with support from subject matter experts close problem logs and provide off-shift support for critical operations as needed.
• Champion a culture of safety ensuring all activities are performed in accordance with the highest standards of personnel and facility safety as well as relevant ES&H security and business policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SEL.4 Level

• Lead teams programs or functions with a technical focus operate under consultative direction with substantial authority use subject matter expertise and significant team leadership experience and exercise judgment within established policies to monitor workflow allocate resources ensure timely completion of projects independently determine strategies and achieve objectives while managing organizational impact and pursuing actions to achieve long-term goals.
• Assess strategic technical needs and lead strategic initiatives to develop and implement new alignment methodologies including recommending process improvements serving as subject matter expert and providing technical advice.
• Design and execute experiments to further and strengthen alignment system capabilities and performance using highly advanced principles theories and concepts.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Laser and Electro-Optics Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a closely related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of successfully managing and guiding multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience with precision engineering and opto-mechanical systems including remote operation and computer-based control of precision devices.
• Significant experience in systems engineering including the use of computer control and data acquisition systems.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex technical data manage multiple projects and set priorities effectively.
• Advanced verbal and written communication facilitation and interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration technical presentations and the ability to provide clear advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SEL.4 Level

• Recognized subject matter expertise knowledge and experience in the design of opto-mechanical components or systems with the ability to lead the application and development of highly advanced associated principles theories and concepts.
• Extensive experience conducting experiments in complex research environments and/or supporting large-scale system operations maintenance or production.
• Expert level verbal and written communication collaboration and negotiation skills necessary to explain influence and advise all levels of technical staff program management and/or external stakeholders.

Qualifications We Desire

• Graduate degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Laser and Electro-Optics Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent advanced knowledge.
• Experience in laser alignment beam characterization (spatial temporal spectral) and optical opto-mechanical or electro-optical design.
• Experience supporting large-scale laser system operations or maintenance.

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