Senior Vacuum Coating Technologist

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Senior Vacuum Coating Technologist. In this role, you will support new and ongoing programmatic activities involving vacuum coating systems, with the primary focus on process development, optimization, and operational support. Responsibilities include applying thin film coatings using advanced deposition techniques, analyzing, characterizing, and evaluating thin film properties using laboratory equipment, and supporting coating process development and troubleshooting. The role also includes operating deposition systems, supporting system setup and integration, developing fixtures for new and existing systems, and assisting with upgrades on vacuum systems. This position requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and hands-on experience in thin film coating processes. You will work independently or with engineers, scientists, and technical staff to perform moderately complex to complex equipment setup, operation, maintenance, and system testing. Tasks may include but are not limited to equipment set-up and operation; general troubleshooting and maintenance; and make minor equipment modification and system upgrades and working with hazardous materials. This position may require occasional overtime and travel. This position is in the Advanced Coatings Vacuum Processing Laboratory Group in the Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation Section (MNDE) of the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Operate and maintain Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Optical Coating Deposition (OCD), and other vacuum systems equipment, i.e., electron beam and magnetron sputtering systems.
• Provide advanced technical support for maintaining vacuum systems, modifying and installing vacuum components, and supporting fabrication, handling materials, and operation of complex systems under minimal supervision
• Apply advanced knowledge to interpret and operate vacuum system equipment to solve complex system/mechanical problems.
• Maintain regular, independent interaction with supervisor, project leads, scientists, engineers, and technical staff to identify, evaluate, analyze, and support process requirements and improvements; and to train and mentor staff as needed.
• Solve complex system processes, equipment, mechanical, and operational problems.
• Use software programs to produce supporting documentation and graphics.
• Follow and adhere to written, operational, and safety procedures while completing job assignments.
• Apply experienced knowledge of relevant coating technologies, vacuum processes, and laboratory instrumentation to solve processes, system, or equipment related problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in engineering, mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing technology, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience; or a technology related certificate or diploma with related work experience and related coursework; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field that includes mechanical training.
• Experience in thin film and optical coatings, characterization of thin film materials using analytical equipment/processes, and various physical vapor deposition techniques and data acquisition techniques related to vapor deposition processes.
• Possess effective written, verbal, feedback, and presentation and communication and skills.
• Experience with personal computers and associated software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Significant experience of vacuum technologies, thin film analytical equipment/processes using PVD/OCD systems.
• Advanced skills and knowledge to interpret requirements and processes, identify and analyze results.
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with process validation of optical coatings.
• Experience with LabVIEW or similar graphical system design and development software.
• Experience with leak detection and Residual Gas Analysis (RGA) for process control and contamination monitoring.

Pay Range

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. 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.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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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To learn more about recruitment scams:https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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

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