Engineering Technician V – Quality Assurance Technician (NWS 00934)

About the Role

North Wind Services (NWS) is seeking a detail-oriented and self-motivated Engineering Technician V to perform incoming and outgoing inspection of large optical components used in critical operations at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the world’s largest and most energetic laser facility. This position supports Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA, as part of a supplemental labor team contributing to national security within science, technology, and engineering fields for the Department of Energy.

Successful candidates will be employees of NWS, with pay, benefits, and employment management provided by NWS while working within LLNL’s environment under the direction of LLNL technical personnel. The role requires flexibility to work overtime, shifts, weekends, and alternate schedules such as 4/10 or evening shifts due to NIF’s 24/7 operational demands. The position also requires obtaining a Q-Level Security Clearance through the Department of Energy.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming and outgoing inspection of large, finished, and uncoated optics in accordance with approved procedures and drawing requirements.
• Inspect optical surfaces for flaws including scratches, digs, stains, haze, inclusions, cracks, edge chips, and other visible imperfections.
• Inspect optics for surface contamination, including particles and organic haze, prior to defect inspection.
• Verify optic serial numbers and ensure inspection records and maps are properly aligned to part orientation.
• Review drawings, specifications, prior Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), and inspection requirements before beginning inspection.
• Document defects and contamination on inspection maps with accurate location, type, and estimated or measured size.
• Use inspection aids and measurement tools such as comparator cards, scratch/dig standards, microscopes, and loupes to evaluate defect size and severity.
• Methodically inspect each optical surface using controlled lighting and scanning techniques to ensure complete coverage.
• Follow written operational, quality, and safety procedures while completing assigned work.
• Adhere to cleanroom protocols, including proper gowning procedures, to maintain contamination control standards within the inspection environment.
• Communicate effectively with technicians, engineers, supervisors, and other stakeholders regarding inspection status and quality issues.
• Maintain inspection documentation, support quality investigations, and generate NCRs when inspection results exceed requirements.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship (required for Q-Level Security Clearance).
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to meet pre-employment requirements, including physicals, drug screening, and background investigation.
• A.S. or equivalent experience in Optical or Mechanical technologies.
• Experience with production technologies, including evaluating and testing processes.
• Ability to perform work deliberately, carefully, and safely in a Class 100 cleanroom and dark-room environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work within deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and communicate effectively with managers and customers.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and accurately record process parameters.
• Experience with databases, data manipulation, personal computers, and associated software.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse group of personalities and disciplines.

Desired Skills

• Experience performing visual quality inspections on optical, precision, or high-value components.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection criteria.
• Familiarity with scratch/dig inspection standards and defect documentation practices.
• Experience creating NCRs and maintaining quality records.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work methodically in controlled inspection environments.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Previous cleanroom experience, including familiarity with gowning requirements, contamination control practices, and protocol compliance.

Special Requirements

• A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
• External applicants must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
• Must obtain a Q-Level Security Clearance through the Department of Energy (requires U.S. citizenship).
• If holding multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), may be required to renounce non-U.S. citizenship before clearance is granted.
• Subject to random drug testing as a condition of maintaining clearance.
• Must complete various on-site training modules to pursue work assignments.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits package.
• Health, life, and disability insurance benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous paid leave.
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees.
• Commitment to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For assistance, contact the Helpline at +1.208.528.8718 or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form.