Engineering Technical Associate - Laser Systems Engineering and Operations Division

We have an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate. You will apply advanced technical expertise in support of the broader Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion Directorate. Candidates may bring a background in Laser Electro-Optic Technology with strong mechanical skills or in Mechanical Technology with significant optics handling experience. In this key technical role, you will support the design and execution of precision potting, optical assembly, and prototype hardware work for delicate optics, optical components, mechanical systems, and facility operations. Responsibilities include precision assembly of hardware and facility systems, careful handling of delicate optics and optical components, development and refinement of potting fixtures, work instructions, and process controls, component-level metrology, complex survey support, and ownership of potting process readiness and related facility operations and maintenance. This position includes hands-on technical work involving complex mechanical systems, prototype equipment, testing operations, potting process readiness, and facility 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.
In this role 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 design, assembly, integration, testing, qualification, troubleshooting, documentation, component-level metrology, and detailed survey of experimental, research, and prototype equipment and components for complex mechanical systems, based on specifications from engineers and scientists.
Develop and refine potting processes, fixtures, tooling, work instructions, and handling controls for delicate optics and optical components, including operations that require patience, mechanical judgment, and extreme attention to detail.
Lead facility operation and maintenance activities, including ownership of maintenance schedules and development and execution of maintenance procedures, to ensure reliable performance and sustained operational readiness.
Provide advanced technical support for experimental and research activities through the application of industrial metrology principles, including establishing complex 3D coordinate systems, interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T requirements, using specialized metrology software for feature fitting, statistical analysis, and virtual assembly, and evaluating deviation data against design models.
Provide design, evaluation, review, fabrication, testing, assembly, maintenance, and documentation of complex mechanical systems and associated support equipment.
Evaluate potting materials, tooling approaches, assembly constraints, and process controls to improve repeatability, protect sensitive hardware, and support reliable delivery of program hardware.
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.
Coordinate technical work across the Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion Principal Directorate and partner organizations to support shared potting needs, training, documentation, and long-term process capability.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Bachelor's degree in mechanical technology, mechanical engineering technology, industrial technology, manufacturing technology, electro-optic 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, optical or electro-optic assemblies, prototype systems, and research equipment, including developing and refining test plans, troubleshooting methods, maintenance strategies, and operational plans.
Advanced knowledge in precision assembly techniques, mechanical system troubleshooting, testing operations, technical documentation, and maintenance of complex systems.
Significant experience handling delicate optics, optical components, precision cleaned parts, or similarly sensitive hardware in a controlled-process environment.
Experience participating in engineering testing operations and analyzing results.
Effective interpersonal skills and experience working independently as part of a multidisciplinary team in a schedule-driven environment.
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.
Experience and knowledge working in a clean room environment with precision cleaned components and equipment.
Experience supporting laser, photonics, electro-optic, optical assembly, or high-energy laser systems.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of materials, equipment, or technologies associated with precision mechanical systems, potting and adhesive processes, encapsulants, facility and maintenance support, and metrology.
Knowledge of, or ability and willingness to learn, the use and application of FARO Arm and Laser Tracker, and the associated software.
Experience supporting research, engineering, and facility management activities in a test, prototype, or operational facility environment.
Quality Assurance and/or Quality Check documentation skills used in an engineering environment.
Familiarity with CAD, engineering drawings, and configuration-controlled documentation.
Pay Range
$125,310 - $153,444 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 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