Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate - NIF Sustainment

Job Description

We have an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate
. You will provide advanced technical support for Amplifier Blast shield Installer (ABI) activities in support of amplifier refurbishment and broader National Ignition Facility (NIF) Sustainment special projects. You will serve in a key technical role responsible for building, testing, qualifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and documenting ABI units and supporting additional sustainment‑related improvement projects. This position will support hands‑on technical work associated with complex mechanical systems, prototype equipment, testing operations, and refurbishment readiness.

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

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 build, test, assembly, qualification, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Amplifier Blast shield Installer units supporting amplifier refurbishment.
• Build and test the first Amplifier Blast shield Installer unit this Fiscal Year and into early next year, and support qualification of the second unit.
• Maintain Amplifier Blast shield Installer fleet readiness by identifying issues, implementing corrective actions, and supporting reliable operational availability as amplifier refurbishment activities begin.
• Provide hands‑on technical support through measurement, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing of complex components and systems based upon specifications from engineers and scientists.
• Support Sustainment special projects, including factory improvements and Integrated Optics Module refurbishment‑related improvement efforts.
• Support efforts associated with Final Optics Damage Inspection, Target and Beam Alignment System, Beam Based Programmable Spatial Shaper, and Diode Pumped Multi Pass Amplifier as programmatic needs evolve.
• Provide design, evaluation, review, fabrication oversight, testing, assembly, maintenance, and documentation of various complex mechanical systems and associated support equipment.
• 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.

• 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, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
• Experience providing advanced hands‑on technical support for complex mechanical systems, prototype systems, refurbishment activities, or research and operations equipment.
• Advanced knowledge in assembly techniques, mechanical system troubleshooting, testing operations, technical documentation, and maintenance of complex systems.
• Experience participating in engineering testing operations and analyzing results.
• Experience developing or refining test plans, troubleshooting methods, maintenance strategies, or operational plans for complex systems.
• Effective interpersonal skills and experience working independently as part of a multidisciplinary team in a schedule‑driven environment.
• Possess 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.

• Knowledge of materials, equipment, or technologies associated with precision mechanical systems, refurbishment support, or metrology.
• Experience supporting sustainment, refurbishment, factory improvement, or production‑related technical activities.
• Experience and knowledge working in a clean room environment with…