Electrical Engineer - Radio Frequency/Microwave

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) seeks an Electrical Engineer with RF and microwave expertise to support high-powered microwave sources. The role requires full-time on-site work in the Materials Engineering Division, collaborating with engineers and scientists to deliver complex solutions.

The position offers opportunities in design, testing, analysis, and documentation, with multi-disciplinary teamwork and advancement based on performance and project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and relevant previous experience.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical engineering concepts for high voltage systems engineering.
• Experience with RF/microwave design and testing methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Partner with colleagues to understand design requirements for electrical systems with high-powered microwave sources.
• Develop and execute test plans for effects testing on electronic targets; conduct FMEA to complete projects.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Master's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

CST Microwave

HFSS

COMSOL

Job description

Company Description

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.

Job Description

We have several openings for an Electrical Engineer specializing in Radio Frequency (RF) and microwaves. You will be an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting a project utilizing unique, high-powered microwave sources. This will include providing technical support to characterization and effects testing on various electronic targets. 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.

This position will be filled at either level 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.

In this role you will

• Partner with colleagues to gain a comprehensive understanding of design requirements for electrical systems that involve unique, high-powered microwave sources.
• Use broadly defined parameters, develop and execute test plans for effects testing on various electronic targets; conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, through completion of projects.
• Perform characterization of S-parameters and/or RF spectrum by developing moderately complex to complex analysis methods to measure performance.
• Utilization of circuit simulation software for design of analog, RF and microwave circuits.
• Document engineering methods and findings in informal and formal reports and presentations. Prepare supporting safety documentation.
• Collaborate with other engineers, scientists and technicians to provide moderately complex to complex engineering solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 Level

• Under minimal direction, apply advanced knowledge in the domains of complex electrical engineering, microwave RF or related fields leading to engineering solutions.
• Contribute to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals, acting as the main point of contact, mentoring and leading junior staff, sharing relevant knowledge, providing formal guidance and recommendations to project leadership.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and relevant previous experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of fundamental electrical engineering concepts related to assembly, calibration, and testing of analog and digital electrical systems.
• Experience with noise figure analysis and working with low noise and power amplifiers.
• Experience with moderately complex to complex characterization and testing of s-parameters.
• Comprehensive experience with CST Microwave, HFSS, COMSOL or similar RF simulation software.
• Ability to learn unique design requirements for high voltage electrical systems.
• Proficient communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner, both verbal and written for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Additional Qualifications at the SES.3 Level

• Advanced knowledge in the domains of electrical engineering, microwave RF or related fields involving integration of complex engineering solutions.
• Significant experience applying advanced technical knowledge and methodologies to guide the successful completion of technical projects, serving as the primary technical contact, mentoring and/or leading junior staff members.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain complex technical information and provide advice to management.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and relevant previous experience.
• Significant knowledge of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)/ Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and grounding and shielding of electrical systems.
• Broad experience with design tools such as ADS (Advanced Design System) or Cadence and/or antenna design.

Pay Range:

$146,340 - $222,564 Annually

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 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; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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

#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, 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 useand/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.

CaliforniaPrivacy 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.