Electronics Technologist– NIF Diagnostics (MRE)

LLNL•Livermore, CA

10d•$44 - $64•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an early to mid-career Electronics Technician to build, integrate, test, and sustain diagnostic hardware used to capture data during experiments at the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. You will support the Material and Radiation Effects (MRE) Electrical Engineering team within NIF Target Diagnostics Engineering and Science (TDES) in a multidisciplinary, highly collaborative environment with a strong emphasis on fiber optic handling and precision assembly. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate. This position will be filled at either the 531.2 or 531.3 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level. In this role, you will Provide general technical support to scientists, engineers, and senior technical personnel performing activities related to NIF diagnostic builds, including precision assembly, data capture, analysis, and characterization. Fabricate and verify electrical cables and harnesses used for precision timing and data transport, applying IPC workmanship practices, electrostatic discharge controls, and configuration control. Assemble, route, label, terminate, inspect, clean, and test single-mode fiber optic links supporting diagnostic systems. Identify and acquire diagnostic data, perform analysis and evaluation, document results, and communicate with diagnostic Subject Matter Experts to ensure compliance with project goals. Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety (ES&H) policies and procedures while working with radiological, laser, and electrical hazards. Perform other duties as assigned. Additional responsibilities at the 531.3 level Lead diagnostic system builds and fiber runs, including developing fiber and coaxial loss budgets, test plans, and acceptance criteria. Interpret complex Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and Optical Backscatter Reflectometer (OBR) traces to isolate faults, verify fiber routing, and recommend effective corrective actions. Author, review, and modify electrical documentation, propose improvements to assembly methods, and mentor junior personnel in industry best practices. Perform advanced verification using Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), Spectrum Analyzers, and Time Domain Reflectometers (TDR) to ensure precision timing and impedance control.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Associate degree in electronics, electro-optics, photonics, or related technical field, or equivalent military or industry training and experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Intermediate experience fabricating and verifying cables and harnesses, including coax assemblies for 50 ohm systems; ability to perform continuity, polarity, and basic hi-pot tests as directed.
Intermediate technical skills and knowledge of engineering principles to solve problems using established guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
Intermediate experience assembling, operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting scientific and laboratory equipment for diagnostic, fiber optic, optical, data acquisition, or experimental systems.
Effective written and verbal communication, and presentation skills sufficient to develop and report data, and to work successfully with multidisciplinary teams in a highly collaborative environment.
Ability to qualify as a NIF Radiological Worker, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and work safely around lasers, high voltage, and interlock-controlled equipment in accordance with following established controls and procedures.
Ability to work in confined or restricted spaces, climb stairs, and stand or walk for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs with assistance, as needed.
Advanced experience with fiber optic handling and testing, including connector inspection and cleaning, bend-radius and strain relief management, and insertion loss/return loss measurements OR advanced experience fabricating and verifying cables and harnesses, including coax assemblies for 50 ohm systems; ability to perform continuity, polarity, and basic hi-pot tests as directed.
Proficiency using bench instruments, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power meters, light sources, and at least one of the following: TDR, OTDR, OBR, spectrum analyzer, or VNA.
Experience reading, interpreting, and creating schematics, wiring diagrams, and other related electronics documentation.
Effective written and verbal communication, feedback and presentation skills sufficient to develop and report data, and to work successfully with multidisciplinary teams in a highly collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

FOA (Fiber Optics Association) or ETA (Electronics Technician Association) fiber certifications, such as CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician), CPCT (Certified Premises Cabling Technician), or FOI (Fiber Optics Installer) with Tier 1 and Tier 2 fiber testing experience.
Workmanship certifications, such as IPC/WHMA-A-620 and J-STD-001.
Experience with single-mode fiber, including polishing, termination, or basic fusion splicing.
Familiarity with vacuum practices, vacuum compatible materials, and electrical or optical feedthroughs.
Basic proficiency with CAD tools or drawing viewers for markups and redlines.
Experience with interferometry-based diagnostics.

Responsibilities

Provide general technical support to scientists, engineers, and senior technical personnel performing activities related to NIF diagnostic builds, including precision assembly, data capture, analysis, and characterization.
Fabricate and verify electrical cables and harnesses used for precision timing and data transport, applying IPC workmanship practices, electrostatic discharge controls, and configuration control.
Assemble, route, label, terminate, inspect, clean, and test single-mode fiber optic links supporting diagnostic systems.
Identify and acquire diagnostic data, perform analysis and evaluation, document results, and communicate with diagnostic Subject Matter Experts to ensure compliance with project goals.
Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety (ES&H) policies and procedures while working with radiological, laser, and electrical hazards.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Lead diagnostic system builds and fiber runs, including developing fiber and coaxial loss budgets, test plans, and acceptance criteria.
Interpret complex Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and Optical Backscatter Reflectometer (OBR) traces to isolate faults, verify fiber routing, and recommend effective corrective actions.
Author, review, and modify electrical documentation, propose improvements to assembly methods, and mentor junior personnel in industry best practices.
Perform advanced verification using Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), Spectrum Analyzers, and Time Domain Reflectometers (TDR) to ensure precision timing and impedance control.