Cryogenic Operations Gas Process Engineer

Cryogenic Operations Gas Process Engineer

Mid‑Senior Level | Full‑time

Engineering | Livermore, CA | 05/19/2026

Reference #: REF
8358P

Job Code: SES.
3 Science & Engineering MTS 3

Organization: Engineering

Position Type: Career Indefinite

Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)

Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position

Medical Exam: Not applicable

The role of Cryogenic Operations Gas Process Engineer is to commission and maintain operational status of vacuum and cryogenic processes related to the successful fielding of ignition and other target types for the Target Experimental Operations group on the National Ignition Facility. The engineer will act as a technical expert in process gas behavior in cryogenic regimes, mitigating potential hazards to maintain operational readiness.

This position is within the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations Division of the Engineering Directorate.

• Function independently with minimal direction, managing parallel tasks and contributing to innovative methods and technology.
• Collaborate and serve as a primary technical contributor within multi‑disciplinary teams to commission, sustain, and improve NIF facility sub‑systems, including gas supply, vacuum, cryogenic, and control systems.
• Develop, document, execute, and troubleshoot complex production processes for cryogenic and other target shots.
• Develop and optimize gas‑inventory management strategies, including forecasting, procurement, sampling, and control approaches.
• Serve as primary technical contact for scientific personnel, providing expert guidance on experimental design challenges.
• Lead development of requirements, test plans, and validation strategies for automated process‑control systems.
• Provide technical direction to technicians and early‑career staff, mentoring and ensuring alignment with engineering requirements.
• Review and enhance operating and maintenance procedures for complex systems.
• Present technical findings to mid‑level internal management, multidisciplinary peers, and sponsor representatives.
• Evaluate and guide experiment safety boundaries, assessing gas‑target interactions.
• Respond to off‑normal gas‑operations conditions, providing high‑consequence decision support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• U.S. citizenship, with ability to secure and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Significant knowledge of engineering principles for complex chemical processes, vacuum systems, and cryogenic systems.
• Advanced knowledge of cryogenic processes, gas handling systems, and process controls.
• Experience deploying automated process controls and developing interlocks.
• Experience in production operations and process development.
• Advanced computer skills using PC/Macintosh to collect, analyze, and document scientific results.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with technical support personnel.

• Master’s degree in Materials, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with handling radioactive and/or flammable gases/materials.

$175,530 - $222,564 annually

• Full‑time on‑site presence required.
• DOE Q‑level clearance required; background investigation will be initiated upon selection.
• Random drug testing applicable to cleared employees.
• Compliance with DOE mobile device restrictions in Limited Areas.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.