Explosives Firing Tank Operator

We have an opening for an Explosives Firing Tank Operator to provide general technical and mechanical support for experiments involving explosives and energetic materials. Under general supervision you will perform field experiments and operate key equipment at the High Explosives Applications Facility. This position is in Facilities Operations and Support Division in the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

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 

• Work closely with scientific personnel and experimentalists to plan and conduct experiments by fabricating experiments stands and fixtures; preparing the facility and diagnostic equipment receiving the experiment and maintaining area controls.
• Assist with diagnostic alignment and testing prior to experiment execution and performing data recovery and area re-entry after experiment execution.
• Perform facility related and technical functions such as maintenance testing and reconfiguration of firing tanks firing chambers gas/powder guns and support systems such as ventilation vacuum hydraulics control equipment and interlock systems.
• Maintain systems documentation and experimental records and author operational procedures and technical documents.
• Control and manage hazardous and radioactive materials used and wastes generated by operations.
• Provide general mechanical and/or electronic fabrication support.
• Ensure that support and experimental areas are kept clean uncluttered and orderly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the 533.3 level

• Act independently and/or direct others to ensure work is conducted in an efficient manner.
• Propose and implement solutions for conducting experiments in a manner that improves diagnostic capability and quality safety security and efficiency.
• Provide advanced technical support for gas and powder gun experiments.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE X-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Associates degree in Engineering Technology undergraduate studies applicable to the position or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Ability to efficiently work multiple tasks and interact effectively with a diverse set of personalities and disciplines while following policies and procedures.
• Ability to complete and maintain the following qualifications: explosives handler firing tank operator high-speed camera operator and/or radiation generating device operator Rad Worker (II) and Beryllium Worker.
• Ability to read and follow engineering notes sketches and drawings.
• Experience with office computers and related software i.e. Windows MS Word Excel Outlook PowerPoint and inventory databases.
• Ability to operate hand/power tools lift 50 lbs. safely and become medically qualified to wear respiratory and other protective equipment and perform moderate work effort while wearing full-face respirator.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills and the ability to work constructively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Additional qualifications at the 533.3 level

• Ability to supervise provide technical direction to and train other team members to complete complex and hazardous operations.
• Ability to plan assignments and prepare work control documents.
• Experience and high level understanding of the science of explosives and explosive experiments.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience handling explosives and fielding explosives experiments.
• Experience with chemicals hazardous and radiological materials and experience with Radiological contamination control.
• Experience with ballistics rifles and other weapons currently fielded by military forces and experience conducting/coordinating live-fire experiments with small-large caliber weapons.

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.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time