Target Fabrication Engineer

We have an opening for a Target Fabrication Engineer. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world’s most energetic laser. It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved fusion ignition in December 2022 (as well as multiple subsequent times), a historic moment in science, opening up new physics regimes and setting the stage for new fusion energy possibilities. You will become a core member of an interdisciplinary team working on the fabrication of complex articles called targets in support of Inertial Confinement Fusion and other national security programs for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Targets are the essential elements of experiments on these high-energy laser systems and are often intricate assemblies of numerous finely manufactured components with precision tolerances ranging from one (1) micrometer to 25 nm. Consequently, they present many interesting challenges whose resolution requires a combination of materials and mechanical engineering, metrology, and practical implementation of advanced new processes. You will lead the development of a set of targets, using project management and systems engineering tools to execute the entire process from initial concept through production and qualification. This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work. 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 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. Plan and execute moderately complex target engineering activities across the lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, assembly, metrology, qualification, and delivery, using project management and systems engineering tools. Develop and maintain target requirements, specifications, drawings, assembly procedures, metrology plans, verification methods, acceptance criteria, and technical documentation. Perform moderately complex engineering analyses, prototyping, experiments, and evaluations supporting target design, fabrication, assembly, metrology, safety, performance, and qualification. Interpret results and recommend improvements. Coordinate with scientists, engineers, production personnel, vendors, manufacturers, and other internal and external stakeholders to resolve technical questions and maintain alignment with requirements, interfaces, and schedules. Assess manufacturability, fabrication constraints, component and tooling needs, metrology requirements, and supplier or production dependencies. Communicate impacts and recommend actions supporting readiness and successful builds. Support production teams during assembly, qualification, and verification activities by clarifying requirements, investigating technical issues, coordinating technical input, and supporting nonconformance resolution. Track and communicate technical, schedule, resource, quality, and production risks, actions, and decisions. Perform other duties as assigned. Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level Lead teams, programs, or functions with a technical focus, operate under broad consultative 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 developing innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals. Lead requirements development, conceptual and detail design, analysis, prototyping, manufacturability assessment, qualification, verification planning, and technical reviews for complex targets and assemblies. Establish requirements, specifications, acceptance criteria, and plans to measure and document as-built properties. Serve as the primary technical interface for complex target or platform efforts. Provide technical direction to project contributors, influence design and fabrication approaches, guide resolution of difficult issues, and implement lessons learned and process improvements that support project and organizational objectives. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience. Comprehensive knowledge and competency in fabrication, manufacturing, metrology, systems engineering, project management, design, analysis, qualification, or related engineering disciplines. Comprehensive experience applying broad engineering principles to design modifications, analyses, prototyping, manufacturability assessments, metrology, process improvements, qualification, and technical coordination. Experience delivering multiple projects with defined priorities, budgets, schedules, and technical requirements, and adapting to changes in scope/schedule/budget definition. Ability to successfully perform independent work with limited direction within scope of the assignment. Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information. Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level Advanced knowledge in one or more specialties including fabrication, manufacturing, metrology, systems engineering, project management, design, analysis, qualification, or related engineering disciplines. Significant experience developing advanced methods for complex mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, manufacturing, metrology, qualification, production support, and process improvement using creativity and innovation. Significant experience managing and delivering multiple multidisciplinary projects, reprioritizing work, and modifying technical approach. Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management. Qualifications We Desire Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in an Engineering discipline or the equivalent combination of education and related experience. Certification in Project Management, such as PMP or Systems Engineering certification. Experience in precision engineering design and manufacturing. Proficiency applying GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to engineering drawings/specifications per ASME Y14.5/M. Knowledge of ANSI/ASME standards for testing machine tools or coordinate measuring machines. Pay Range: $146,340 - $222,564 Annually $146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level $175,530 - $222,564 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. #LI-Onsite Position Information This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates. Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor! 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