Controls Engineer – Industrial systems, NIF

We have an opening for a Controls Engineer to support the Controls Engineering and Maintenance group. 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, a historic moment in science, opening new physics regimes and setting the stage for new fusion energy possibilities.

You will develop, implement, and maintain industrial control systems, primarily programmable logic controller (PLC) based, ranging from discrete to complex automated system controls. The team supports a variety of applications including utility systems, such as ultra-high vacuum systems and cooling systems, laser diagnostics systems, machine protection systems, access control system, and personnel safety interlocked systems. Platforms include Rockwell Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and some OEM systems.

These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.  

You will

• 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 the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Provide control system solutions for complex problems using in-depth analysis and independent judgment. .
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and maintain control system requirements.
• Provide software solutions for device level controls, automated processes, and supervisory applications of complex systems including controller application and graphical user interface.
• Participate in formal and informal code and design reviews.
• Contribute to software development by following strict configuration management processes.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers in the design of industrial controls systems by  identifying hardware, software, and communication protocols to provide robust and maintainable device/controller interface solutions.
• Partner with hardware installers to assure proper integration with associated software.
• Collaborate with system managers and/or software tester to develop and execute test procedures.
• Utilize advanced technical knowledge to support complex troubleshooting efforts.
• Conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Research and perform in-depth analysis to advance the architecture of the control systems.
• Mentor junior staff and provide oversight and guidance into production and commissioning activities on subsystems.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to support the operations team outside of regular business hours. 
• May lead project teams in the development and deployment of control solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced experience developing complex applications for control system automation; collaborating with stakeholders and following configuration management processes to design and develop control system requirements, test plans, and prepare user documentation.
• Advanced experience and proficiency with the application, use, and programming of programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Experience in using and managing software configuration management tools.  
• Advanced experience with device/instrument control and data acquisition.
• Advanced knowledge of and significant experience in the application of best practices in software engineering design and development.  
• Advanced verbal and written communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills with the ability to effectively prepare, present, and explain technical information, provide advice to senior management and external stakeholders, and collaborate with technical staff, managers, stakeholders, and vendors at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead independent work and collaborate  in a multidisciplinary environment with scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience in the design and deployment of personnel safety interlock systems; OR advanced knowledge and significant experience in the design and deployment process control automation for utility systems such as vacuum, liquid, or gas systems.
• Significant experience troubleshooting control systems problems in an operations environment and finding root cause of problems.
• Experience mentoring team members.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience and proficiency with the application, use, and programming of Rockwell’s ControlLogix PLC family, RSView/FTView, and Asset Centre system for configuration and code management.
• Experience in the modernization of control systems.
• Experience and understanding of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis.
• Understanding of System Engineering concepts.  
• Expertise in the design and deployment of personnel safety interlock systems including application of various safety standards (such as ANSI/ISA S-84 and IEC-61508), experience with failure mode and hazard analysis, and experience evaluating hardware design compliance with safety requirements OR expertise in utility systems such as gas, liquid, or vacuum systems and experience developing complex automation sequences for those systems.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually

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. 

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 2026 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.

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