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LIDSS Flight Test - Optics Operations Specialist - Active Security Clearance Required

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
tuition reimbursement, 401(k), relocation assistance
United States, California, Livermore
Jan 14, 2026
Company Description

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States' security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

Pay Range

$107,610 - $163,764 Annually

$107,610 - $136,500 Annually for the TSS.1 level

$129,150 - $163,764 Annually for the TSS.2 level

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.


Job Description

We have multiple openings forOptics Operations Specialist supporting the LLNL Independent Diagnostic Scoring System (LIDSS) program. LIDSS provides unique diagnostic, data analysis and scoring capabilities for NNSA and DoD weapons sustainment, modernization, and development programs through advanced analysis of flight test data. In this role you will support new and on-going activities in support of the weapon system surveillance and flight test operations. These positions are in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) and supporting the Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) Program, within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Principal Directorate.

These positions will be filled at eitherlevel based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

  • Support setup, test, and collect data from a fleet of high-speed cameras in the field.
  • Support 4-8 flight test missions per year. Each mission will require 1-5 weeks of domestic or international travel. Travel can include supporting missions at sea on a ship for up to 30 days.
  • Collaborate with analysts, mission engineers, and the LIDSS flight test director to create optics plans for fielding optics equipment on missions.
  • Create and implement test procedures to validate optics equipment.
  • Develop optics planning tools to improve our process.
  • Maintain clear and concise communication path between the optics team and mission stakeholders.
  • Provide photo and video documentation of all mission activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the TSS.2 level

  • Present optics plans to sponsors and other stakeholders outside of the LIDSS team.
  • Perform data reduction activities post mission and deliver basic analysis results to meet time-critical sponsor deliverables.
  • Run systems tests and trouble shoot electronics on LIDSS rafts. Spearhead new technologies to improve the quality of our data and operations.
  • Collaborate with team members to design and procure equipment to support cameras and other diagnostics.

Qualifications
  • This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
  • Bachelor's degree inphotography, optics, electronics or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
  • Optics and photography knowledge on topics such as resolution, focal length, field of view, depth of field, calibration, characterization, imaging sensors, frame rate, filters, image editing, video editing.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to participate in engineering testing operations and design reviews, analysis of results, writing of reports, and creation of effective presentations.
  • Ability to travel for long periods of time and operate in desolate environments.

Additional qualifications at the TSS.2 level

  • Experience developing and realizing conceptual designs of mechanical/electronic systems, testing prototypes, and associated diagnostics.
  • Experience in conducting design reviews, engineering testing operations, or quality assessments.
  • Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premier, Adobe Illustrator, Matlab, Python, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

Qualifications We Desire

  • Knowledge and experience in nuclear weapons program stockpile systems, components, classified materials, experimental data, and related diagnostic and testing equipment.
  • Experience with photography and video production.
  • Ability to work in team environment with a diverse range of technical skill sets.

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 2025 Best 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 an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.

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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

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

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

CaliforniaPrivacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

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