Physics World is hiring: Control Systems Hardware Engineer in Livermore

Overview

We have multiple openings for a Control Systems Hardware Engineer. You will provide engineering solutions for developing, implementing, and maintaining control systems hardware in the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the world’s highest energy pulsed laser system responsible for LLNL’s fusion breakthrough. With over 60,000 control points distributed throughout the facility, many of NIF’s subsystems have control technologies at their core. You will contribute to the engineering design and development of new hardware and for system upgrades to continually improve system performance and reliability. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

The position will be filled at either the SES.2 or SES.3 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provide controls and embedded systems hardware solutions which contribute to the definition, design, documentation, assembly, fielding, and maintenance of National Ignition Facility control and Photon Science systems. This includes precise motion control for optical alignment, laser diagnostics, industrial controls, among other types of control technologies.
• Contribute to daily activities, providing engineering support for deployment, activation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of moderately complex to complex control system hardware.
• Refine and manage the system requirement specifications and control system design to meet project goals.
• Assist in minimizing project risks by participating in formal and informal design reviews and providing input on technical issues.
• Maintain a close interface with the various programmatic and project elements to provide regular status reviews, ensure effective teamwork and compliance with programmatic requirements, and facilitate end-user communication.
• Determine, analyze, maintain, and present metrics for system reliability and performance that will be used to drive investments in system improvements.
• May provide guidance and/or informal mentoring to less experienced team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional 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.
• Resolve complex technical and programmatic issues by developing and applying high-level technical concepts and techniques.
• Interface and coordinate with multidisciplinary associates beyond the local work group, representing the organization as the primary technical contact, to define broad requirements for NIF control system hardware.
• Lead formal and informal design reviews and team efforts, and provide guidance and technical direction in developing complex control systems hardware.
• Employ project management skills to achieve required system performance while also managing shared resources/procurement and developing new projects or programs to enhance hardware control systems to benefit operations.
• Develop documentation that will be used as a basis for the long-term maintenance and operation of systems deployed in a 30-year facility.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline related to electronics, electrical engineering, controls, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and previous experience and proficiency in one or multiple of the following areas:
  • Motion control using open- and closed-loop feedback with DC and AC motors.
  • Industrial analog and digital circuit design for incorporation into controls/instrumentation hardware.
  • Integration of moderately complex to complex embedded hardware into systems in a high EMI environment.
  • Analog and discrete instrumentation (sensors, actuators, controllers).
  • Data acquisition and signal processing/conditioning.
• Broad understanding and application of documentation standards including drawings, procedures, statements of work and test plans.
• Experience with electronic measurement diagnostics including oscilloscopes and TDRs.
• Experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary team, which includes working with scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers.
• Experience supporting control systems throughout the full engineering lifecycle.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and to present and explain technical information.

Additional Qualifications At The SES.3 Level

• Advanced level knowledge of and significant experience in the design of complex control systems hardware architecture.
• Advanced leadership skills and significant experience mentoring others, leading small teams in a technical environment, coordinating efforts with other groups, and ensuring compatibility with interdependent systems.
• Demonstrated project management skills necessary to manage controls scope of a complex project and achieve system requirements within allotted schedule, while planning for future enhancements and creating strong process documentation.
• Significant experience defining scope from often not well defined and/or rapidly changing requirements, including demonstrated ability and flexibility in reprioritizing and changing programmatic direction depending on emergent needs.

Qualifications We Desire

• Significant experience with system level design, architecting and project management.
• Knowledge of LabVIEW and related National Instruments technologies.
• Knowledge of PLC hardware, such as Allen Bradley PLC platform, and troubleshooting in an industrial environment.

Position Information

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

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.

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.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Book and Periodical Publishing

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