Control Systems Hardware Engineer

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 recent 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. 

In this role, you will

• Work under general direction and follow established procedures to contribute to project and organizational objectives in support of National Ignition Facility control systems.
• Provide controls and embedded systems hardware solutions that support the definition, design, documentation, assembly, fielding, and maintenance of National Ignition Facility control systems.  This includes precise motion control for optical alignment, laser diagnostics, industrial controls, among other types of control technologies. 
• Contribute to daily activities by providing engineering support for deployment, activation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of control system hardware of limited complexity, using standard techniques and methodologies.
• Assist in developing and maintaining system requirement specifications and control system designs with guidance from senior engineers, ensuring they are consistent with project goals and established standards.
• Help minimize project risks by participating in formal and informal design reviews, providing input on technical issues, and implementing feedback from more experienced staff.
• Maintain close communication with scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers to support effective collaboration, provide status on assigned tasks, and facilitate end user communication within the scope of assigned work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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 a related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Motion control using open and closed loop feedback with DC and/or AC motors.
  • Industrial analog and digital circuit implementation for controls or instrumentation hardware.
  • Integration of embedded hardware into systems, preferably in high EMI environments.
  • Analog and discrete instrumentation such as sensors, actuators, and controllers.
  • Data acquisition and basic signal conditioning or processing.
• Basic understanding and application of documentation standards, including drawings, procedures, statements of work, and test plans, with the ability to follow established formats and practices.
• Experience using standard electronic measurement and diagnostic tools, such as oscilloscopes and TDRs, to support testing and troubleshooting activities.
• Experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary team, including collaborating with scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers.
• Experience supporting control systems during some portion of the engineering lifecycle, such as assembly, integration, testing, or maintenance.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and to present and explain technical information on assigned tasks.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in industrial production environments (e.g. food & beverage, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals).
• Hands-on experience with PLC/research hardware programming and troubleshooting (e.g. Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/Compact Logix, National Instruments).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA configuration and support (e.g. FactoryTalk View, Ignition, LabView)

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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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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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