Engineering Technician V – Target Diagnostic Factory (NWS 00949)

Location: Livermore, CA
Title: Engineering Technician V – Target Diagnostic Factory (NWS 00949)

North Wind Services (NWS) is a high performing, low risk company with a successful history of contributing to their client’s missions. NWS executes and manages a wide range of technical services such as environmental investigation and restoration, construction, demolition, radioactive and hazardous waste management, public communication/involvement, information management, health and safety, industrial hygiene, and emergency response/HAZMAT services.

North Wind Services is actively seeking individuals who can contribute to national security within the science, technology, and engineering fields as part of our supplemental labor team at vital federal research and development installations supporting the Department of Energy. Qualified applicants must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age, and able to meet pre-employment requirements including any required physicals, drug screen, and/or background investigation to satisfy clearance requirements from the Department of Energy.

Successful candidates will be employees of NWS supporting the missions of their federal client, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA. Pay, benefits, Human Resources, and employment management functions are all provided by NWS. As an NWS employee working at LLNL, within the client’s environment, you will complete day-to-day tasks, with direction from technical personnel directly employed by LLNL.

This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate and supports projects within the Light Matter and Fusion (LMF) directorate, which houses the world’s largest and most energetic laser facility ever built. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is also the most precise and reproducible laser as well as the largest optical instrument. The giant laser has nearly 40,000 optics, which precisely guide, reflect, amplify, and focus 192 laser beams onto a fusion target about the size of a pencil eraser.

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is seeking a talented and self‐motivated Mechanical Technician to perform precision assembly, disassembly, testing, installation, and removal of diagnostic hardware that supports critical NIF experiments. Working in the Target Diagnostic Factory, the primary responsibilities include small and large parts assembly to high precision specifications, performing precision alignments, installing complex diagnostic hardware of assorted sizes per procedures, installing/removing large optics up to 70 lbs., performing quality assurance inspections, and creating and uploading files to computer databases. Secondary responsibilities include hoisting and rigging large loads, troubleshooting both mechanical and electrical assemblies, and working on/around X-ray sources. This requires a versatile, broad-based Engineering Technician capable of supporting the installation and commissioning of complex hardware which involves configuration, setup and maintenance of mechanical and vacuum subsystems in support of “Shot Operations” in a large complex, tightly secured facility. The successful candidate will also record data, identify process improvements, will have to work with hazardous materials in a radioactive environment. The Mechanical Technician will also have the communication skills to effectively interact with scientists, technicians, designers and engineers and will report to the NIF Target Diagnostic Factory Supervisor.

Due to the vast and varying types of experiments, NIF is a 24/7 operational facility. This position may require the Diagnostic Assembly Technician to have the flexibility to work overtime, shift and or weekends to accomplish goals. This position may also require working alternate schedules such as 4/10’s or 12-hour shifts. The successful candidate will be required to pass various on‐site training modules to pursue work assignments. The successful candidate will be required to obtain a Q-Level Security Clearance through the Department of Energy.

Essential Duties
-Assemble precision components according to prints/drawings.
-Provide mechanical support for the assembly, installation, operation, repair and maintenance of NIF mechanical systems in accordance with approved procedures.
‐Record data and present to others for analysis.
-Installation, alignment, test and document diagnostics in support of shot operations.
-Read and interpret drawings and perform minor fabrications tasks and assemble components with limited supervision.
‐Follow and adhere to written, operational and safety procedures while completing job assignments.
-Operate and maintain equipment through a graphical user interface.
-Safely handle radiologically contaminated components. Work may require the ability to use respirators.

Marginal Duties
‐Perform operation, troubleshooting and maintenance on vacuum and x-ray systems.
-Perform material handling of large equipment including rigging and using cranes.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
‐A.A. in Mechanical or Electrical Technologies or a combination of 4+ years of education and experience or previous military experience working on mechanical systems.
‐Ability to learn or technical background using computer control and data acquisition systems or similar large system.
‐Experience working in a team environment.
-Strong mechanical aptitude and skillset, including precision assembly.
‐Ability to adapt to system changes, upgrades and processes to complete experiments.
-Must be detail oriented and be able to adhere to written procedures.
‐Must be able to use a respirator, work in confined spaces and clean rooms, lift and push 50 pounds, use portable ladders with a max 300-pound weight limit, climb stairs, and work from various heights.
‐Must have the necessary communication skills to convey highly detailed procedures and verbally discuss technical information with personnel.
-Must be able to obtain and maintain DOE Q Clearance.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
‐Experience using complex computer control and data acquisition systems utilized in the remote control of opto‐mechanical devices.
‐Experience working within a nuclear, military, or highly technical laboratory environment.
-Demonstrated ability to work on complex systems including optical, electrical, and mechanical.

Special Requirements

Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

Pre-employment drug test: External applicants selected for this position will be required to pass a post offer, pre-employment drug test.

Anticipated Government Clearance Level: Q (position will be cleared to this level). Applicants who are selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matters. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.

North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave, and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people. For more information about benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the North Wind Career Opportunities Page.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline +1.208.528.8718 or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form to get assistance.

North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information NW collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here: https://northwindgrp.com/wp-com .