Target Layering System Manager

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Target Layering System Manager. You will be responsible for the target layering process used in the National Ignition Facility and support layering activities to continue improving and growing functionality. Layering is a process in which we grow a thin ice layer inside of a target capsule, using scripts and temperature control to form and shape the layer.

You will support the Cryogenic Systems operations group of the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Directorate (NIF&PS).

You will provide advanced technical solutions in target layering to the operations staff and contribute to optimization of the layering and x-ray operations processes. NIF is a 24-hour facility and this position will require off-hours support for problem resolution and technical guidance. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division of the Engineering Directorate.

• Provide innovative technical expertise using MATLAB process control code for the layering process, including cryogenic target system, target temperature control, and x-ray systems.
• Lead the development and conduction of test plans following best practices, ensuring reproducible and well documented results.
• Resolve complex to highly complex technical problems, complete assigned tasks and report results with minimal guidance or general direction.
• Coordinate with the Subject Matter Experts to develop procedures for target layering operations and all related supporting activities.
• Coordinate with Cryo Operations staff, management and Shot Operations to ensure all layered target experiment activities in the control room and facility follow established procedures and safety plans.
• Lead training and qualification in target layering and x-ray diagnostics for Cryogenic System Operators.
• Analyze metrics and trends to provide insight into best practices and process improvements.
• Responsible for all layering related problems in the facility and providing guidance as needed.
• Provide 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 Electrical/Electronic technology or related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced experience developing, modifying, and troubleshooting MATLAB code for data analysis, modeling, and automation tasks.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite applications, such as Word, Excel, Project, Power Point.
• Advanced skills and understanding of relevant technologies and processes, including interpreting metrics, analyzing data, and solving complex to highly complex problems.
• Ability to mentor and provide technical direction to others in a technical operations or R&D environment.
• Advanced experience and expertise in troubleshooting complex to highly complex problems and root cause analysis.
• Advanced experience authoring and editing technical work documents and procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work with a high level of accuracy and strong attention to detail.
• Experience training others and providing technical guidance, including developing training materials, delivering hands on instruction, and mentoring team members to ensure consistent understanding and proper execution of technical procedures.
• Experience planning and coordinating schedules and activities, including organizing resources, aligning tasks with milestones, and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Experience in NIF Shot Operations.

$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.

#LI-Onsite

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on…