Cryogenic Specialist

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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$140,700 - $214,032 Annually

$140,700 - $178,392 Annually for the SES.2 level

$168,780 - $214,032 Annually for the SES.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.

We have an opening for a Cryogenic Specialist to collaborate with multidisciplinary scientists in advancing the cryogenic operations at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), particularly for experiments in the Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) field.  A key task involves fabricating a nearly perfect hydrogen ice layer using single crystal growth techniques at extremely low temperatures (18-19K) just before every high-yield ICF laser shots - a challenging and demanding process.

You will perform experimental work to refine processes and troubleshoot issues that frequently arise. The role involves significant interaction with technical colleagues, supervisors, and both internal and external customers.  This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & 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.

In this role, 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
• Provide solutions to characterize and optimize cryogenic HDT ice layers using various analytical techniques; systematically organize and analyze in robust databases.
• Refine and manage system specifications and designs to meet project goals.
• Design, set up, execute, and analyze results of experiments in the Targets Cryogenic S&T labs.
• Contribute to and provide engineering support for activation, calibration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of cryogenic systems and characterization instrumentation, to support program objectives.
• Maintain comprehensive records and databases; prepare written analyses and deliver verbal briefings that capture and communicate research outcomes and progress.
• Interface closely with various programmatic and project elements to provide regular input on moderately complex technical issues and status reviews, ensure effective teamwork and compliance with programmatic requirements, and facilitate end-user communication.
• May provide guidance to operators in the implementation of new processes at NIF, as well as informal mentoring to less experienced team members.
• 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.
• Resolve complex and ambiguous technical and programmatic issues and provide innovative technical solutions by developing and applying high-level technical concepts and techniques.
• Lead team efforts and provide guidance and technical direction to ensure achievement of project goals.
• Interface and coordinate with multidisciplinary associates beyond the local work group, representing the organization as the primary technical contact, to define broad system requirements. 
• Represent the team’s technical capabilities and project outcomes to internal management and external sponsors and proactively engage with technical area leaders, project leaders, and program management.
• Integrate emerging technologies and best practices from scientific literature to advance fabrication and characterization methods.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge, demonstrated proficiency, and experience working with cryogenic hydrogen systems, focusing on process development/improvement and commissioning new systems or new technologies.
• Broad understanding and experience with X-ray radiography systems and image analysis.
• Proven ability to excel in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment, adhering to rigorous safety requirements and protocols.
• Proficiency and broad experience utilizing comprehensive data analysis, trend identification, and industry-standard databases.
• Exceptional attention to detail, and demonstrated ability to develop and execute meticulous protocols in high-stakes environments; adept at analyzing and presenting moderately complex, multi-parameter datasets.
• Effective collaborator within multidisciplinary scientific teams, with the ability to work independently as required.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills to document research, analyze data, prepare detailed results, deliver presentations, and explain information to diverse internal and external audiences.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 Level

• Advanced level knowledge and significant experience with cryogenic systems
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems in real-time and to make and execute decisions while working under tight timelines.
• Advanced project management and technical leadership skills and significant experience mentoring others, leading teams in a technical environment, coordinating efforts with other groups, and guiding complex projects to successful completion.
• Significant experience contributing to overall project goals and proactively providing and implementing new strategies to deliver enhanced technical solutions.
• 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.
• Understanding of and familiarity with analytical software such as Matlab or equivalent.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 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.

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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. 

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