We have an opening for a Target Fabrication Engineer to become a core member of an interdisciplinary team working on fabrication of complex articles called targets in support of the Inertial Fusion Confinement and other national security programs. Targets are comprised of the essential elements of experiments on these high energy laser systems and are often intricate assemblies of numerous finely manufactured components. This creates challenges where the resolution requires a combination of materials & mechanical engineering and metrology science with a strong sense of practical implementation of advanced new processes. You will become the spearhead for a set of targets and drive the entire process to bring them to fruition from initial concept. This position is in the NIF Optics & Target Materials group of the Materials Science Division.

This position 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

• Serve as the primary technical contact for assigned target platforms including their mechanical design, tolerance and materials specifications, assembly processes and performance.
• Contribute to the design of new target components or systems, develop new materials and assembly processes and transfer new learnings into production of such targets.
• Perform detailed project planning and partner coordination to ensure that all deliverables are met on time. Maintain comprehensive records and databases and prepare written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results as well as periodic progress reports
• Collaborate in the design, modeling, and analysis of moderately complex to complex laboratory experiments and develop fabrication equipment, measurement instrumentation, and procedures as required while maintaining high safety and security standards in all aspects of work.
• Train and mentor technicians in new processes with specific emphasis on reliability and reproducibility.
• Interact frequently with end-users/customers and communicate project status, challenges and proposed solutions to management and SMEs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Provide technical solutions to complex problems which may not be well defined, lead projects under minimal direction, and independently resolve technical objectives and criteria to satisfy project objectives and execute the appropriate technical approaches.
• Develop characterization techniques for measuring products against required specifications using advanced microscopy, interferometry, X-ray imaging, as well as chemical analysis.
• Collaborate with various technical area leaders, and program management to represent technical capabilities and project results and plans to internal management and external sponsors.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• BS in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Ability to perform hands-on work in a laboratory or fast paced production facility such as developing robust processes and commissioning new systems, trouble-shooting equipment malfunctions, etc.
• Strong project management skills and abilities, aptitude for managing change and commitment to deliverables and timetables
• Proven track-record of being detail-oriented, developing meticulous protocols and delivering in a high consequence of error environment
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary collaborative research environment and interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, technicians and other technical and administrative staff.
• Experience working within a scientific team as well as working independently. Proficient written and verbal communication skills necessary document research results, and to prepare and present proposals, papers, and reports to internal and external audiences.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• MS in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant experience in challenging, goal-oriented projects requiring understanding of mechanical and chemical characterization principles.
• Significant experience dealing with actinides or other hazardous materials is desirable
• Significant experience working independently and ability to provide technical leadership to guide projects to completion, with the ability to analyze and present complex multi-parameter data.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with developing products, implementing new methods and processes and project management.
• Ability to leverage systems engineering best practices to guide design and risk mitigation, including determination and documentation of technical objectives, and risk mitigation plans requiring in-depth analysis of multiple factors.