About the job
Join our dynamic team at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) as a Controls Engineer. You will play a key role in supporting the Controls Engineering and Maintenance group within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, renowned for housing the world’s most powerful laser. This is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking scientific achievements, including the historic fusion ignition that has opened new frontiers in physics and fusion energy exploration.
Your responsibilities will include the development, implementation, and maintenance of industrial control systems, focusing primarily on programmable logic controllers (PLCs). These systems will range from simple to complex automation controls and will support various applications such as ultra-high vacuum systems, cooling systems, laser diagnostics, machine protection systems, and personnel safety interlocked systems, utilizing platforms like Rockwell PLCs and other OEM systems.
The position is part of the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work autonomously with minimal oversight, leveraging advanced technical knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate on innovative project solutions aligned with organizational goals.
- Deliver effective control system solutions for complex challenges through thorough analysis and independent decision-making.
- Engage with multidisciplinary teams to define and maintain control system requirements.
- Develop software solutions for device-level controls, automated processes, and supervisory applications, including controller applications and graphical user interfaces.
- Participate in both formal and informal code and design reviews.
- Contribute to software development while adhering to strict configuration management protocols.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers to design robust industrial control systems, identifying necessary hardware, software, and communication protocols for effective device/controller interfaces.
- Partner with hardware installers to ensure seamless integration with associated software.
- Assist system managers and software testers in creating and executing test procedures.
- Utilize advanced technical expertise to support intricate troubleshooting efforts.
- Conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) research to enhance control system architecture.
- Mentor junior staff, providing guidance during production and commissioning activities on subsystems.
- Participate in an on-call rotation to support the operations team outside of standard business hours.

