Controls Engineer – Industrial systems, NIF

We have an opening for a Controls Engineer to support the Controls Engineering and Maintenance group. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate home to the worlds most energetic laser.  It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved fusion ignition a historic moment in science opening new physics regimes and setting the stage for new fusion energy possibilities.

You will develop implement and maintain industrial control systems primarily programmable logic controller (PLC) based ranging from discrete to complex automated system controls. The team supports a variety of applications including utility systems such as ultra-high vacuum systems and cooling systems laser diagnostics systems machine protection systems access control system and personnel safety interlocked systems. Platforms include Rockwell Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and some OEM systems.

These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.  

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 control system solutions for complex problems using in-depth analysis and independent judgment. .
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and maintain control system requirements.
• Provide software solutions for device level controls automated processes and supervisory applications of complex systems including controller application and graphical user interface.
• Participate in formal and informal code and design reviews.
• Contribute to software development by following strict configuration management processes.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers in the design of industrial controls systems by  identifying hardware software and communication protocols to provide robust and maintainable device/controller interface solutions.
• Partner with hardware installers to assure proper integration with associated software.
• Collaborate with system managers and/or software tester to develop and execute test procedures.
• Utilize advanced technical knowledge to support complex troubleshooting efforts.
• Conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Research and perform in-depth analysis to advance the architecture of the control systems.
• Mentor junior staff and provide oversight and guidance into production and commissioning activities on subsystems.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to support the operations team outside of regular business hours. 
• May lead project teams in the development and deployment of control solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering Computer Science or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced experience developing complex applications for control system automation; collaborating with stakeholders and following configuration management processes to design and develop control system requirements test plans and prepare user documentation.
• Advanced experience and proficiency with the application use and programming of programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Experience in using and managing software configuration management tools.  
• Advanced experience with device/instrument control and data acquisition.
• Advanced knowledge of and significant experience in the application of best practices in software engineering design and development.  
• Advanced verbal and written communication facilitation and collaboration skills with the ability to effectively prepare present and explain technical information provide advice to senior management and external stakeholders and collaborate with technical staff managers stakeholders and vendors at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead independent work and collaborate  in a multidisciplinary environment with scientists engineers technicians and designers.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience in the design and deployment of personnel safety interlock systems; OR advanced knowledge and significant experience in the design and deployment process control automation for utility systems such as vacuum liquid or gas systems.
• Significant experience troubleshooting control systems problems in an operations environment and finding root cause of problems.
• Experience mentoring team members.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters degree in Electrical Engineering Computer Science or related field.
• Experience and proficiency with the application use and programming of Rockwells ControlLogix PLC family RSView/FTView and Asset Centre system for configuration and code management.
• Experience in the modernization of control systems.
• Experience and understanding of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis.
• Understanding of System Engineering concepts.  
• Expertise in the design and deployment of personnel safety interlock systems including application of various safety standards (such as ANSI/ISA S-84 and IEC-61508) experience with failure mode and hazard analysis and experience evaluating hardware design compliance with safety requirements OR expertise in utility systems such as gas liquid or vacuum systems and experience developing complex automation sequences for those systems.

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)
• Our values - visit  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.

  How to identify fake job advertisements

  Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under Find Your Job of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent we strongly recommend you do not respond.

  To learn more about recruitment scams:  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. 

  California Privacy Notice

  The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

  
  

  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time