NIF Lead Operator Technical Associate

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 nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi‑domain defense, empowering teams to tackle 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 are looking for a NIF Lead Operator Technical Associate to work in the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Using a technical leadership background and a high level of engineering or technical expertise, you will establish the scope of work, provide innovative technical expertise, lead laser facility experimental operations, maintenance, and serve as an operations point of contact for the NIF & Photon Sciences Directorate.

This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

• Lead a technical team responsible for experimental operations, safety, security, and maintenance within NIF, a high‑average power/energy laser system.
• Execute experiments using a graphical user interface (GUI) system, ensure facility operations procedures are performed, and review experimental progress with the Shot Director.
• Independently troubleshoot complex technical problems, recommend maintenance and repairs, provide oversight, and report results under general direction.
• Participate in complex operations and maintenance strategies, recommend efficiency and productivity improvements, deconflict operational team efforts, organize process flow, and maintain task schedules.
• Provide innovative technical expertise to scientists, engineers, and high‑level technical personnel on lasers, optics, power conditioning, alignment, diagnostics, software, and industrial controls platforms.
• Respond to and lead all facility off‑normal events, coordinating emergency response integration with medical, fire, security, and management personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance requiring U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in science, electronics, electro‑optics, mechanical, or industrial engineering, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and extensive technical experience.
• Advanced skills and experience leading operations and maintenance activities in a large‑scale, complex, integrated facility.
• Ability to make frequent decisions using independent discretion and judgment, providing original solutions for unique and challenging problems.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary project environment with simultaneous commitments from inception through completion.
• Ability to manage high‑pressure situations, prioritize tasks, and maintain focus while meeting deadlines.
• Experience guiding teams in a workplace that prizes safety, security, quality, and efficiency.
• Dedication to professionalism by adhering to ethical standards, respecting colleagues, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills to collaborate, mentor, and train within a team and present technical information.
• Ability to work alternate schedules, including extended shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Experience using computers to operate equipment, navigate workflows, and track progress.
• Experience in laser and industrial safety in an operations environment.
• Experience interacting with customers and satisfying their needs in a highly technical setting.
• Experience mentoring, training, organizing, and leading work teams.

$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 posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications,…