Mechanical Engineer-Precision Machining & Diamond Turning

We have an opening for a Precision Mechanical Engineer to support projects in the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Directorate (NIF & PS). You will provide solutions to a wide variety of research and development precision engineering projects and involved deliverables through hardware design and developing advanced structural thermal and/or fluid analytical tools. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for ensuring the sustainment of NIFs mission-critical capability of finishing crystal optics using precision diamond turning systems alignment systems or damage inspection systems. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

This position will be filled at either the SES.2 or SES.3 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this roll you will

• Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility use comprehensive knowledge and exercise independent judgment to determine methods and recommend improvements within established frameworks and contribute to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals.
• Provide solutions to design and characterize precision machine tool subsystems test prototypes and perform diagnostics including assessing tolerance stack-ups formulating error budgets and applying measured error compensation systems.
• Modify and update existing analytical solutions to moderately complex to complex problems that require modeling statistical analysis and creative application of established techniques and methods.
• Perform literature reviews of relevant techniques and methods within diamond turning precision machining or optical sensor technology
• Participate in providing solutions to the development and implementation of hands-on engineering R&D test plans analyzing experimental results and authoring and presenting reports while working under limited direction.
• Generate moderately complex to complex detailed designs of subsystems in support of optics processing equipment including precision cleaning coating transport and handling and metrology systems.
• Contribute to the development and execution and provide engineering support for assembly installation commissioning maintenance and calibration procedures for subsystems.
• Participate in precision machine assembly laboratory activities including component assembly spare inventory and metrology tool calibrations.
• Contribute to the development of optomechanical measurement and alignment systems with scientific camera technology.
• Collaborate with project teams consisting of engineers designers technicians scientists and coordinators while working independently within established frameworks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition at the SES.3 level

• 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.
• Propose implement and guide relevant hands-on laboratory R&D experiments in support of sustaining and furthering crystal finishing or alignment systems capabilities while providing technical leadership and project management to a diverse team of engineers scientists designers and technicians in support of repairs and upgrades to equipment.
• Develop and implement new analytical solutions to a diverse range of complex problems that require modeling statistical analysis and creative application of established techniques and methods.
• Lead formal and informal design reviews and team efforts and develop and apply high-level technical concepts and techniques to resolve complex technical and programmatic issues and ensure achievement of project goals.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Controls Engineering Precision Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or related technical discipline or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and previous experience and proficiency with precision machine structural design assembly real-time error compensation systems or control design processes.
• Broad experience and application and comprehensive knowledge of moderately complex to complex engineering analysis using structural fluid or thermal computer codes.
• Comprehensive knowledge and previous experience and proficiency with material selection manufacturing methods or metrology for precision tooling and hardware.
• Proficiency and previous experience with materials and fabrication R&D with an emphasis in diamond turning systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and broad experience and application of moderately complex to complex engineering hardware design fabrication or testing processes.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

In addition at the SES.3 level

• Significant experience with the design commissioning operation or maintenance of complex precision mechanical optomechanical measurement or alignment systems.
• Advanced level knowledge and significant experience with the application of complex data analysis techniques advanced statistics and/or modeling.
• Advanced leadership skills and significant experience mentoring others leading small teams in a technical environment coordinating efforts with other groups and ensuring compatibility with interdependent systems.
• Significant experience defining scope from often not well defined and/or rapidly changing requirements including demonstrated ability and flexibility in reprioritizing and changing programmatic direction depending on emergent needs.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering Precision Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Extensive experience designing and working with precision diamond turning machines for meter-class optical substrates.
• Experience with precision metrology and characterization live error compensation and metrology frames controls engineering or optical engineering.

Additional Information :

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

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• 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