Target Area Field Lead

We have an opening for a Target Area Field Lead. You will support the Target Area Operations (TAO) group of the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Directorate (NIF & PS).  The National Ignition Facility is home to the worlds most powerful and energetic laser.  You will lead approved scope of work and provide advanced technical solutions in the setup recovery and maintenance of Target Diagnostic Equipment and Final Optics Assemblies in support of NIF shot operations. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division of the Engineering Directorate.

NIF is a 24/7 operational facility and operators and Field Leads typically work on a 3/12-4/12 schedule to support operations with the last two hours of each shift being overtime. The dayshift work hours are from 06:30-19:30 and the owl shift hours are from 18:30-07:30. Dayshifts work either Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday and every other Wednesday. Owl shifts work either Sunday to Tuesday and every other Saturday night or Wednesday to Friday and every other Saturday night.

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

In this role you will 

• Provide advanced technical support for the installation and operation of complex diagnostic systems and final optics assemblies for maintenance and commissioning activities including maintaining operational status of NIF facility subsystems.
• Maintain the daily operational schedule with real-time problem resolution ensuring the setup recovery and operation of intricate diagnostic equipment and final optics assemblies including comprehensive troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Under minimal supervision/direction provide technical guidance and direction to the TAO technician staff to meet changing priorities on the floor.
• Communicate and coordinate target diagnostic and final optics activities with the supervisory staff in the NIF Control Room.
• Analyze process improvements for complex technical problems and suggest updates to procedures and qualifications.
• Plan organize and lead projects of limited scope.
• Provide technical expertise advice and direction to technicians making frequent decisions with regular independent interaction with scientists engineers and skilled technical personnel with follow-up to work group management.
• Serve as primary technical contact for Target Area Operations Diagnostics and Optic Assembly components to respond in real-time to off-normal occurrences. 
• Lead the balance of Safety Security Quality and Efficiency with the technicians
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Associate degree in Mechanical Technology Electrical Technology or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Advanced skills and understanding of relevant technologies and processes including interpreting and utilizing vacuum systems and ability to solve complex hardware or system challenges.
• Experience with the setup recovery and maintenance of diagnostic equipment and/or optical assemblies.
• Experience providing technical direction to others in technical operations or within an R&D environment.
• Experience establishing appropriate work methods and setting priorities. Ability to regularly make decisions solve complex problems establish and/or modify guidelines techniques and procedures.
• Experience working with formal procedures work controls and configuration management.
• Ability to work in confined or restricted movement areas climb stairs stand or walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in areas in areas of Beryllium and radiological contamination and where use of a respirator may be required.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working with radiological materials and associated controls.
• Experience with the development operation and maintenance of mechanical systems and clean protocol techniques coupled with attention to detail.
• Experience working with mechanical drawings and procedures.
• Ability to pass NIF Radiological Worker II qualification.

Pay Range

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs.

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 2026 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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time