Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate NIF Sustainment

We have an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate. You will provide advanced technical support for Amplifier Blastshield Installer (ABI) activities in support of amplifier refurbishment and broader National Ignition Facility (NIF) Sustainment special projects. You will serve in a key technical role responsible for building testing qualifying maintaining troubleshooting and documenting ABI units and supporting additional sustainment-related improvement projects. This position will support hands-on technical work associated with complex mechanical systems prototype equipment testing operations and refurbishment readiness.  This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

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

You will 

• Develop original solutions to complex technical problems determining appropriate work methods and establishing priorities to meet programmatic requirements.
• Provide advanced technical support for the build test assembly qualification operation maintenance and troubleshooting of Amplifier Blastshield Installer units supporting amplifier refurbishment.
• Build and test the first Amplifier Blastshield Installer unit this Fiscal Year and into early next year and support qualification of the second unit.
• Maintain Amplifier Blastshield Installer fleet readiness by identifying issues implementing corrective actions and supporting reliable operational availability as amplifier refurbishment activities begin.
• Provide hands-on technical support through measurement assembly integration troubleshooting and testing of complex components and systems based upon specifications from engineers and scientists.
• Support Sustainment special projects including factory improvements and Integrated Optics Module refurbishment-related improvement efforts.
• Support efforts associated with Final Optics Damage Inspection Target and Beam Alignment System Beam Based Programmable Spatial Shaper and Diode Pumped Multi Pass Amplifier as programmatic needs evolve.
• Provide design evaluation review fabrication oversight testing assembly maintenance and documentation of various complex mechanical systems and associated support equipment.
• Conduct and participate in meetings and design reviews including providing solutions gathering feedback documenting decisions and action items and interfacing with other organizations internal to the Laboratory.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to technologists as needed making frequent decisions using independent discretion and judgment and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in mechanical technology mechanical engineering technology industrial technology manufacturing technology or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
• Experience providing advanced hands-on technical support for complex mechanical systems prototype systems refurbishment activities or research and operations equipment.
• Advanced knowledge in assembly techniques mechanical system troubleshooting testing operations technical documentation and maintenance of complex systems.
• Experience participating in engineering testing operations and analyzing results.
• Experience developing or refining test plans troubleshooting methods maintenance strategies or operational plans for complex systems.
• Effective interpersonal skills and experience working independently as part of a multidisciplinary team in a schedule-driven environment.
• Possess advanced written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of materials equipment or technologies associated with precision mechanical systems refurbishment support or metrology.
• Experience supporting sustainment refurbishment factory improvement or production-related technical activities.
• Experience and knowledge working in a clean room environment with precision cleaned components and equipment.
• Quality Assurance and/or Quality Check documentation skills used in an engineering environment.
• Familiarity with CAD engineering drawings and configuration-controlled documentation.

Pay Range

$125310 - $153444 Annually

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)
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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