Electronics Technologist- NIF Diagnostics (MRE)

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 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.

• 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 to50 lbswith assistance, as needed.

In addition, at the531.3 level

• 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.

Qualifications We Desire

• 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.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 531.2 level

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 531.3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

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Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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