Senior Cryogenic Factory Technologist

About the role

We have an opening for a Senior Cryogenic Factory Technologist supporting the Cryogenic Target Workcenter within the National Ignition Facility (NIF). You will provide advanced technical support for the maintenance, inspection, repair, and qualification of cryogenic target system components in support of NIF experimental operations.

Working with minimal supervision, you will apply specialized expertise across precision component work, gas handling systems, and quality documentation while providing technical guidance to other technicians. Work is performed primarily in clean room and radiological contamination-controlled environments. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division of the Engineering Directorate.

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

You will

• Perform inspection, maintenance, and repair of cryogenic target system components including Target Line Replaceable Units (LRU's), shields, shrouds, masks, and grippers, using precision assembly techniques, soldering, and adhesive bonding processes.
• Interpret and work from mechanical and electrical engineering drawings to verify correct assembly configurations, sensor wiring, and material specifications.
• Operate UV curing equipment, optical inspection cameras, and specialized tooling to verify component quality and ensure assemblies meet drawing and performance specifications.
• Coordinate with outside groups for material processing steps such as plasma etching and gold coating; perform passthrough and conductive testing on completed assemblies.
• Perform gas mix manifold operations including bottle exchanges, leak testing, gas bottle filling via manual and remote GUI methods, and associated administrative tracking.
• Operate the cryogenic target test stand to train and qualify technicians on component maintenance and alignment procedures; perform photo QA and operate data acquisition software in support of test stand activities.
• Develop, author, review, and update procedures, manuals, and qualification documents; coordinate with the Training Department to ensure qualification card revisions are entered into the training management system and formally released.
• Perform administrative tracking, data uploading, work order submission, and inventory management in support of component production and rework activities.
• Perform torque wrench calibration checks and support the calibration tracking program as a collateral duty.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate's degree in mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or electro-optic technology; or a technology-related certificate or diploma with related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field that includes mechanical training.
• Advanced skills and understanding of relevant technologies and processes, including interpreting and utilizing precision laboratory equipment, vacuum systems, pressure systems, and electronic test equipment; demonstrated ability to solve complex hardware and system challenges.
• Experience working independently on complex technical tasks with minimal supervision; ability to apply, improve, and recommend updates to established technical guidelines, procedures, and work methods.
• Experience providing technical direction, mentoring, or training to other technicians in a technical operations or R&D environment.
• Ability to interpret and work from mechanical and electrical engineering drawings, schematics, and formal technical procedures.
• Experience with soldering (mechanical/electrical connections), adhesive bonding, and precision component assembly in a controlled environment.
• Experience working with formal work control systems, configuration management practices, and quality records.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to author technical documentation and present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work in clean room environments and areas with radiological or chemical contamination controls, including use of anti-contamination (anti-C) PPE and respiratory protection.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, work in confined or restricted-movement areas, and lift/push up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, or gas handling operations.
• Familiarity with UV curing processes and photographic/optical quality inspection methods.
• Experience working in radiological environments; ability to qualify as NIF Radiological Worker II.

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 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.

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)

Security 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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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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