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 an opening for a Target Area Field Lead. You will support the Target Area Operations (TAO) group of the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Directorate (NIF & PS).  The National Ignition Facility is home to the world’s most powerful and energetic laser.  You will lead approved scope of work and provide advanced technical solutions in the setup, recovery, and maintenance of Target Diagnostic Equipment and Final Optics Assemblies in support of NIF shot operations. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division of the Engineering Directorate.

NIF is a 24/7 operational facility, and operators and Field Leads typically work on a 3/12-4/12 schedule to support operations, with the last two hours of each shift being overtime. The dayshift work hours are from 06:30-19:30 and the owl shift hours are from 18:30-07:30. Dayshifts work either Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday, or Thursday to Saturday and every other Wednesday. Owl shifts work either Sunday to Tuesday and every other Saturday night or Wednesday to Friday and every other Saturday night.

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

In this role, you will 

• Provide advanced technical support for the installation and operation of complex diagnostic systems and final optics assemblies for maintenance and commissioning activities including maintaining operational status of NIF facility subsystems.
• Maintain the daily operational schedule with real-time problem resolution, ensuring the setup, recovery, and operation of intricate diagnostic equipment and final optics assemblies, including comprehensive troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Under minimal supervision/direction, provide technical guidance and direction to the TAO technician staff to meet changing priorities on the floor.
• Communicate and coordinate target diagnostic and final optics activities with the supervisory staff in the NIF Control Room.
• Analyze process improvements for complex technical problems and suggest updates to procedures and qualifications.
• Plan, organize, and lead projects of limited scope.
• Provide technical expertise, advice, and direction to technicians, making frequent decisions with regular, independent interaction with scientists, engineers, and skilled technical personnel with follow-up to work group management.
• Serve as primary technical contact for Target Area Operations, Diagnostics, and Optic Assembly components to respond in real-time to off-normal occurrences. 
• Lead the balance of Safety, Security, Quality, and Efficiency with the technicians
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Associate degree in Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Advanced skills and understanding of relevant technologies and processes, including interpreting and utilizing vacuum systems and ability to solve complex hardware or system challenges.
• Experience with the setup, recovery, and maintenance of diagnostic equipment and/or optical assemblies.
• Experience providing technical direction to others in technical operations or within an R&D environment.
• Experience establishing appropriate work methods and setting priorities. Ability to regularly make decisions, solve complex problems, establish and/or modify guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
• Experience working with formal procedures, work controls, and configuration management.
• Ability to work in confined or restricted movement areas, climb stairs, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in areas in areas of Beryllium and radiological contamination and where use of a respirator may be required.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working with radiological materials and associated controls.
• Experience with the development, operation, and maintenance of mechanical systems and clean protocol techniques, coupled with attention to detail.
• Experience working with mechanical drawings and procedures.
• Ability to pass NIF Radiological Worker II qualification.

Pay Range

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly

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.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

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

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet 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 use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

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 LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.