Automation Engineer

SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening); Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California seeks an Automation Engineer to develop and deliver complex automation and robotics projects supporting its mission. The role involves hands-on programming of PLCs, safe-compliant system commissioning, and building electromechanical physical systems, including robotic cells.

On-site presence is required. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and validate automation solutions, document methods and results, and liaise

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, software engineering, mechatronics, or related field.
• Experience deploying automation systems in manufacturing or related industry.
• Experience with multidisciplinary engineering teams to build, install, or troubleshoot automation equipment.
• Experience programming industrial PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff) and robotics arms (KUKA, FANUC, Universal Robots).
• Experience designing electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems; CAD proficiency.
• Strong communication and collaboration; commitment to safety and timely project delivery.
• Experience managing laboratory resources and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, commission, and troubleshoot automation and mechatronics projects.
• Leverage PLCs, HMIs, machine vision, sensors, actuators, and robot systems.
• Organize and present data from research in reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with LLNL groups and external institutions.
• Conduct research and analysis to address defined problems.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to ensure safe project execution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics integration

CAD

Electrical systems design

Mechatronics

Data analysis & reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, software engineering, or mechatronics

Master’s degree (desirable)

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Beckhoff PLCs

KUKA robots

FANUC robots

Universal Robots

CAD software

Job description

Company Description

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.

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Job Description

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to assist in the development and delivery of complex automation and robotics projects supporting LLNL's programmatic and scientific missions. You will assist engineering staff and management by contributing to a multidisciplinary and dynamic portfolio of engineering and research. You will bring hands-on experience programming robotics and PLCs, supporting the commissioning of safety-compliant systems, and designing and building physical systems, including electrical panels, robotic cells, complex electromechanical systems, and safety systems. This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) of the Engineering Directorate.

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

You Will

• Work independently, under general direction, to design, build, commission, and troubleshoot automation, robotics, and mechatronics projects using standard techniques and fundamental knowledge, while adhering to defined practices and procedures.
• Leverage industry-proven industrial automation technologies, including but not limited to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), machine vision systems, sensors, actuators, and various robot systems.
• Organize, analyze, and present data from research, including documenting methods, assumptions, results, and insights in reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with other internal and external groups at LLNL, and in some cases, at other institutions.
• Conduct research and analysis to address well-defined problems.
• Work with vendors and internal teams to support safe and compliant project execution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, software engineering, mechatronics, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related technical experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of industry experience deploying automation systems in manufacturing or a related industry.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams to build, install, or troubleshoot automation equipment.
• Comprehensive experience programming industrial-grade PLCs, such as Allen-Bradley and Beckhoff systems, and industrial-grade robotic arms, such as KUKA, FANUC, and Universal Robots.
• Experience designing and implementing electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with CAD and other design software packages.
• Experience building industrial closed-loop control systems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, customer service, and timely project delivery.
• Experience managing and maintaining laboratory resources and equipment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, software engineering, mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• Experience designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Safety Interlock Systems (SIS).
• Knowledge of safety standards, including ISO and ANSI, and LLNL institutional design safety standards.
• Experience or detailed knowledge of welding, fabricating, or machining metal parts or assemblies.
• Experience with rapid prototyping through 3D printing and laser cutting.
• Experience supporting multidisciplinary engineering teams in a research or laboratory environment.
• Certifications relevant to mechatronics, controls, robotics, or industrial automation.

Pay Range

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually

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.

Additional Information

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

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

Security Clearance

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

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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.

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.

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job 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.