Engineering Technician V – PCS Operations & Maintenance

About the role

North Wind Services is seeking an Engineering Technician V to operate and maintain the Power Conditioning System (PCS) and Plasma‑Electrode Pockels Cell (PEPC) for the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The role supports 24/7 laser operations in a high‑voltage environment, requiring both remote computer control and hands‑on maintenance.

Key responsibilities

• Operate PCS and PEPC using high‑level computer interfaces, following detailed procedures.
• Diagnose and resolve issues with high‑voltage modules, analog and digital circuits, and control systems using oscilloscopes and other diagnostic tools.
• Perform hands‑on maintenance, acceptance testing, and repairs of critical components such as plasma pulse generators and turbo pumps.
• Document repairs, maintenance actions, and system status to ensure smooth shift transitions.
• Manage spare‑parts inventory for critical systems and follow strict safety and ES&H protocols.
• Collaborate with lead operators, shot directors, system managers, and engineering support personnel.

Required profile

• AA/AS degree in Electronics Technology or at least four years of equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of electrical schematics, assembly drawings, analog and digital circuits.
• Ability to make independent, logical decisions under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proactive, organized work style.

Required skills

• High‑voltage power supplies and pulsed‑power hardware.
• Analog and digital circuit troubleshooting and repair.
• Computer‑based control systems, GUIs, and diagnostic software (oscilloscopes).
• Hand tools, cable terminations, connectors, and mechanical assemblies.
• Experience with Windows operating systems, networked drives, embedded computers, Microsoft Office, and LabVIEW.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, turbo pumps, low‑pressure systems, fiber‑optic cables, and LOTO procedures.