Pulsed Power Engineer – Laser and Experimental Systems

We have an opening for an experienced Pulsed Power Engineer to support the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) portfolio of programs—including NIF Operations, NIF Sustainment, NIF Enhanced Yield Capability (EYC), HED & Photon Sciences, and the Department of Defense Technology (DoDT).  NIF’s laser is the world’s highest energy pulsed laser system, capable of producing over 1.8 MJ of optical energy. Many of NIF’s subsystems have pulsed power technologies at their core.  You will be participating in the engineering design and development of new pulsed power and power electronics hardware and for system upgrades to continually improve performance and reliability.  You will also provide engineering knowledge  to the operations and maintenance staff for NIF’s 400 MJ flashlamp power supplies, as well as its state-of-the-art Plasma Electrode Pockels Cell (PEPC) systems.  These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

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.

You will

• Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility, use comprehensive knowledge, and exercise independent judgment to determine methods and recommend improvements within established frameworks and contribute to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals. Participate in providing engineering support and solutions to new pulsed power and power electronics hardware for NIF laser systems.
• Contribute to the design and upgrade of high-voltage solid-state pulse generators for multi-pulse systems (e.g., ARC-PEPC).
• Contribute to the development and deployment of solid-state pulsed power for high-average-power laser-diode arrays.
• Support and troubleshoot NIF’s flashlamp power supplies and PEPC systems.
• Participate in the development and presentation of system reliability and performance metrics; provide recommendations and contribute to investments in system improvements.
• Provide solutions to problems of moderate complexity involving the electrical performance of system components under dynamic electrical loads and/or harsh electromagnetic interference conditions.
• Uphold and adhere to the highest standards of personnel and facility safety standards during all tests and experiments.
• Participate in documenting technical designs, creating schematics, authoring test procedures and formal reports, and defining and recommending process improvements.
• Present technical results and recommendations in peer reviews and stakeholder meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Lead and participate in multi-disciplinary design and peer reviews to ensure safety and technical soundness of a range of complex electrical equipment, hardware, and related systems.
• Represent the organization as the primary technical contact on technical tasks and projects.
• Guide the completion of a project, establish project objectives and strategy, and influence technical direction by applying high-level technical concepts and techniques to drive successful outcomes for deliverables.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development and implementation of best practices.