Electronics Technologist –Power Conditioning System Operations and Maintenance

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is seeking talented and self‐motivated Electronics Technologists in the Plasma-Electrode Pockels Cell (PEPC) and Power Conditioning System (PCS) team. The NIF laser is the world’s most powerful laser system, capable of producing over 2 MJ of optical energy. You will operate the Power Conditioning System (PCS) and the Plasma-Electrode Pockels Cell (PEPC) systems through the high-level computer control system following detailed procedures. The PCS employs one hundred ninety-two high voltage (24 KV), high-energy (1.7 MJ per module) capacitor bank modules used to power the large flash lamps in the NIF solid-state laser amplifiers. The PEPC system employs high voltage electronics and sophisticated controls hardware and software to implement an optical switch topology for the 192 beams of the NIF main laser. These systems include high voltage power supplies, pulsed power hardware and circuits, analog, and digital controls hardware and software, embedded computers and diagnostics. The successful candidate will be expected to operate both systems remotely using Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and perform site maintenance including electrical distribution, high voltage -equipment, digital circuits analog circuits, vacuum controls, compressed air controls and/or major system configurations across multiple engineering disciplines. Primary interactions will be with the lead operators, shot directors, system managers and electrical engineering support personnel.
NIF is a 24/7 operational facility, with the operators typically working an alternating three and four-day 12hr shift, with the last two hours of each shift being overtime. The dayshift work hours are from 06:30-19:30 with the night shift hours from 18:30-07:30. Dayshifts work Wednesday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday, or Thursday to Saturday and every other Wednesday. Night shifts work either Sunday to Tuesday and every other Saturday night or Wednesday to Friday and every other Saturday night. You will be required to pass various on‐site training modules to pursue work assignments. Some work will occur in radiological environments, and training will be provided prior to having access to those areas. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
In this role, you will
Operate the Power Conditioning System (PCS) and Plasma-Electrode Pockels Cell (PEPC) through computer-based controls to support the National Ignition Facility laser operations.
Safely troubleshoot, repair, upgrade, and maintain moderately complex high-voltage, control, vacuum, and mechanical systems.
Diagnose and resolve issues with high-voltage modules, analog and digital circuits, and control systems using diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes and computer-based systems.
Perform maintenance and acceptance testing of critical components, including plasma pulse generators and turbo pumps, to ensure operational readiness.
Accurately document repairs, maintenance actions, and system status, and communicate effectively to ensure smooth shift transitions and minimal downtime.
Maintain inventory of critical spare parts and ensure essential components are available.
Follow established procedures to place high-voltage systems safe for maintenance, conduct area “sweeps” before laser operations, and uphold Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H) standards.
Provide input on new and existing procedures, automate trend reviews, and contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence.
Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to solve moderately complex problems in a 24/7 environment.
Adapt to changing system configurations, priorities, and processes to support experiments.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Associate degree in engineering technology such as Electronics or Mechanical Technologies, or equivalent combination of education and experience related to the essential skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Intermediate knowledge and experience working with high-voltage and power systems
Experience with computer-based control systems and diagnostics, with the ability to learn new technologies quickly
Experience in electrical/electronic troubleshooting and using tools such as digital multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Ability to interpret technical data, schematics, operating procedures, and equipment documentation.
Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
Effective written and verbal communication/presentation skills.
Ability to exhibit workplace professionalism by adhering to ethical standards, respecting colleagues, and fostering a positive & productive work environment.
Ability to lift 25 lbs. in a safe & controlled manner and climb ladders.
Qualifications We Desire
Familiarity of the control of remote devices/hardware using computer-based systems.
Experience in LASER table alignment.
Experience with opto-mechanical and electro-optical troubleshooting.
Experience working within a nuclear, military, or highly technical laboratory environment.
Demonstrated ability to work on integrated technical systems including optical, electrical, and mechanical components.
Experience with Microsoft Excel.
Pay Range
$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly
This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith 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.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No