We have an opening for a Process Engineer who will play a critical role in efforts to improve the quality and production yield of the precision target assemblies. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team in the design, development and implementation of chemical and mechanical processes for fabricating and assembling a variety of precision target assemblies used in laser-driven fusion and other experiments. The targets are assembled from as many as 100 precise components meeting demanding specifications for cleaning, coating, cryogenic performance and positional precision. The targets utilize a broad variety of materials to support the specific goals of laser-driven high energy density experiments. Continually improving the processes to fabricate these devices and increasing production yield is a key goal of the program. This position is in the LLNL Target Fabrication group, supporting experiments at the National Ignition Facility and other high energy lasers.
This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.
This position will be filled at either the SES.3 or SES.4 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.
You will
- Provide technical mentorship, coaching, and support to a diverse team of Process Engineers supporting the development and implementation of chemical and mechanical processes and procedures.
- Provide direction to Process Engineers or specifications to design engineers to design, build and/or modify specialized process equipment.
- Develop production models, metrics and analysis to guide process investments.
- Analyze complex data from target production with the goal of improving the processes and corresponding production yields for existing designs and to produce new target designs.
- Collaborate with the leaders of Target Engineering, Target Science and Technology and Target Production teams to optimize overall effectiveness of the organization.
- Prepare written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results as well as periodic progress reports.
- Independently conduct advanced process development in the areas of target materials and fabrication.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level
- Independently conduct expert level process development in the areas of target materials and fabrication.
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
- Represent LLNL Target Fabrication with key stakeholders and partners in industry and other national laboratories.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
- BS in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Significant leadership skills in chemical, materials science or mechanical process engineering of complex products.
- Significant experience in schedule-driven, pilot-plant-scale operations and process development.
- Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate effectively with technical support personnel on requirements, design, safety, construction or modification of process or pilot-scale equipment or systems.
- Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, technicians and other technical and administrative staff.
Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level
- Master's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Expert level experience applying chemical engineering principles to achieve process development and process improvement goals.
- Expert 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
- Significant experience developing, maintaining and improving procedures used by skilled production personnel.
- Experience with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis and incident analysis processes.
- Experience with high-precision (micron-tolerance) assemblies and associated metrology techniques and equipment.
- Experience with cryogenic systems.
- Experience with x-ray diagnostics and inspection.
- Familiarity with the physics and chemistry of coatings, adhesives, radioisotopes and associated manufacturing processes.
- Familiarity with transport phenomena and chemical kinetics in chemical process systems.
- Solid understanding of work control and work authorization and other quality assurance systems.