Cryogenic Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Description
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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.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Cryogenics (Cryo) Operations Field Lead Technologist. You will first qualify as a Cryogenic System Operator (CSO) to learn the role in which you will eventually lead. You will support the Cryogenic and Target Systems and Large Positioners operations group of the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Directorate (NIF & PS). You will establish scope of work and provide advanced technical solutions in development, operation, and maintenance of cryogenic processes and subsystem operations related to fielding targets in the cryogenic target positioning systems. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division of the Engineering Directorate.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
You will

• Provide advanced technical support while applying fundamental knowledge of installation and operation of complex cryo systems for maintenance and commissioning activities and maintain operational status of NIF facility subsystems.
• Maintain the daily operational schedule with real-time problem resolution, ensuring the set up and operation of intricate cryo systems and equipment, comprehensive troubleshooting and maintenance, and advanced methods of data collection.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to the Cryogenic technician staff to meet changing priorities on the floor and in the Control Room, under minimal supervision/direction.
• Communicate and coordinate Cryogenic and Target Systems and Large Positioners activities with the supervisory staff in the NIF Control Room.
• Analyze process improvements for complex technical problems and develop and author procedures, manuals, and qualifications.
• 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 supervisor outside of work group.
• Serve as primary technical contact for the Cryogenic System and its components to respond in real-time to off-normal occurrences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate's degree in Mechanical technology or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced skills and understanding of relevant technologies and processes, including interpreting and utilizing cryo group equipment, vacuum systems, and ability to solve hardware or system challenges.
• Experience providing technical direction to others in a technical operations or R&D environment.
• Ability to regularly make decisions, solve problems, establish and/or modify guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
• Proven ability to establish appropriate work methods and set priorities.
• 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 areasof 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 cryogenic processes, vacuum systems, and gas handling systems.
• 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. 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.
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
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!
• 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, 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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