Pulsed Power Electrical Engineer - Laser and Experimental Systems

Reference #: REF
8900X
Job Code: SES.
2 Science & Engineering MTS 2 / 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 (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable

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 multiple openings for experienced Pulsed Power Engineers
to support the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) / Light Matter and Fusion (LMF) portfolio of projects, including NIF operations and sustainment, the NIF Enhanced Yield Capability (EYC) Project, high energy density science, and national security applications. NIF's laser uses the largest capacitor bank in the world, over 300 MJ, to power the world's highest energy pulsed laser system.

EYC will upgrade NIF toward 2.6 MJ of optical energy by adding new pulsed power systems, flash lamps, and laser amplifier capability, while sustaining the reliable operation of existing NIF pulsed power hardware.

This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who wants to design, qualify, field, and improve high-energy pulsed power hardware in a one-of-a-kind facility. You will develop pulsed power and power electronics upgrades, qualify prototype and replacement components for use on NIF, support fabrication and installation of new EYC power conditioning hardware, and use operational data to improve reliability, maintainability, and shot readiness.

You will also provide engineering expertise to operations and maintenance staff supporting a 24/7 mission facility, where good design must survive real schedules, real safety requirements, and real equipment aging. These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

• Work under limited direction, use comprehensive knowledge, and exercise independent judgment to determine methods and recommend improvements within established frameworks while contributing to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals.
• Develop pulsed power and power electronics hardware for NIF laser systems, including upgrades and prototype components needed for EYC and for replacement of obsolete hardware.
• Provide engineering and upgrade solutions to ensure the safe, reliable operation, maintenance, and sustained performance of the 2 MJ pulsed power bank supporting the flashlamp testing facility.
• Support the fabrication, testing, installation, and qualification of new NIF Power Conditioning Modules for EYC by working with integrators, designers, technicians, and vendors to verify that hardware is built to plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Define and execute test plans, acceptance criteria, and qualification approaches for high-energy and high-voltage pulsed power components before deployment on NIF.
• Develop test plans and support qualifications of the redesigned Power Conditioning embedded controller being developed internally by the NIF controls team.
• Develop electrical and optical diagnostics for pulsed power loads such as flashlamps to characterize performance, degradation, and failure modes.
• Support redesign, qualification, inspection, and vendor qualification activities for high-energy NIF flashlamps and related components, including work associated with glass-to-metal seals and quartz tube suppliers.
• Support and troubleshoot NIF pulsed power systems, including flashlamp power supplies, PEPC systems, pulsed power…