NIF Alignment Systems Engineering and Maintenance Leader

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States' security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

Pay Range

$182,310 - $277,344 Annually

$182,310 - $231,180 Annually for the SEL.3 level

$218,700 - $277,344 Annually for the SEL.4 level

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 employee's 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.

We are seeking a dynamic and accomplished leader to join our team as the Alignment Systems Engineering and Maintenance Leader within the National Ignition Facility and Photon Sciences (NIF&PS) Directorate. In this pivotal role, you will provide both technical leadership and team management for the engineering and maintenance of advanced diagnostic, target, and laser beam alignment systems. You will collaborate closely with a diverse group of physicists, engineers, software developers, designers, and technicians to drive innovation and ensure the reliable performance of critical alignment systems that are integral to NIF's world-leading laser operations. This position is part of the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate and offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of large-scale, high-impact scientific research.

This position will be filled at either the SEL.3 or SEL.4 level, depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Lead teams, programs, or functions with a technical focus, work independently with minimal direction, use advanced knowledge and team leadership experience, take significant responsibility, and exercise judgment within established policies to monitor workflow, allocate resources, ensure timely completion of projects, and achieve objectives while managing organizational impact.
• Provide technical mentorship and leadership to multidisciplinary teams supporting high-precision alignment hardware for diagnostics, targets, and laser beams.
• Establish, maintain, and ensure quality standards for project deliverables, and guide project teams to execute the process in accordance with sponsor funding and integration expectations.
• Oversee all hardware design enhancements and modifications for alignment systems, ensuring solutions meet evolving program requirements.
• Plan, schedule, and monitor the effectiveness of preventative maintenance and repair activities, ensuring optimal system reliability and availability.
• Analyze system performance, track downtime and response times for critical equipment, and propose innovative solutions to enhance productivity.
• Prepare and present quarterly reliability and availability reports to management, offering actionable insights.
• Lead, guide, and direct teams in the design, prototyping, testing, and commissioning of new alignment equipment and systems.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, operational procedures, calibration protocols, and training materials.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and resolve complex problems with support from subject matter experts, close problem logs, and provide off-shift support for critical operations as needed.
• Champion a culture of safety, ensuring all activities are performed in accordance with the highest standards of personnel and facility safety, as well as relevant ES&H, security, and business policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SEL.4 Level

• Lead teams, programs, or functions with a technical focus, operate under consultative direction with substantial authority, use subject matter expertise and significant team leadership experience, and exercise judgment within established policies to monitor workflow, allocate resources, ensure timely completion of projects, independently determine strategies, and achieve objectives while managing organizational impact and pursuing actions to achieve long-term goals.
• Assess strategic technical needs and lead strategic initiatives to develop and implement new alignment methodologies, including recommending process improvements, serving as subject matter expert, and providing technical advice.
• Design and execute experiments to further and strengthen alignment system capabilities and performance, using highly advanced principles, theories, and concepts.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Laser and Electro-Optics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of successfully managing and guiding multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience with precision engineering and opto-mechanical systems, including remote operation and computer-based control of precision devices.
• Significant experience in systems engineering, including the use of computer control and data acquisition systems.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex technical data, manage multiple projects, and set priorities effectively.
• Advanced verbal and written communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration, technical presentations, and the ability to provide clear advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SEL.4 Level

• Recognized subject matter expertise, knowledge, and experience in the design of opto-mechanical components or systems, with the ability to lead the application and development of highly advanced associated principles, theories, and concepts.
• Extensive experience conducting experiments in complex research environments and/or supporting large-scale system operations, maintenance, or production.
• Expert level verbal and written communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills necessary to explain, influence, and advise all levels of technical staff, program management, and/or external stakeholders.

Qualifications We Desire

• Graduate degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Laser and Electro-Optics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent advanced knowledge.
• Experience in laser alignment, beam characterization (spatial, temporal, spectral), and optical, opto-mechanical, or electro-optical design.
• Experience supporting large-scale laser system operations or maintenance.

#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!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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.

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Equal 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.

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