Mechanical Engineer

LLNL; Livermore (CA); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to develop inspection tools, process aids, and diagnostics for initiation systems and materials characterization. You will join the Detonator Surveillance and Enhanced Assessments Group within the Environmental Test & Explosive Components section to support stockpile assessments.

The role is on-site with limited flexibility to work from home, and requires US citizenship and ability to obtain DOE Q security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in mechanical engineering or related field.
• Experience in mechanical hardware design or automated systems development is preferred.
• Ability to obtain explosives handler certification (LLNL training).
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain DOE Q clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct moderately complex to complex mechanical engineering activities for initiation systems components.
• Lead project objectives, prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and ensure milestones.
• Collaborate on design, implementation, and qualification of equipment.
• Present analyses and briefings; communicate results and progress.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent

Bachelor’s Degree and 4 years of experience or Master’s Degree and 2 years of experience in mechanical hardware design, automated systems design, or process development

Job description

• Job Code 2: SES.3 Science & Engineering MTS 3
• Employee Referral Bonus: Not applicable
• Job Code 1: SES.2 Science & Engineering MTS 2
• Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
• Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required
• Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)

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 an opening for a Mechanical Engineer to develop a full range of moderate to complex inspection tools, process aids, and performance test equipment in the areas of initiation systems, materials characterization, and high-speed diagnostics. Inthis role, you will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting data acquisition in support of LLNL stockpile assessments. This position is in the Detonator Surveillance and Enhanced Assessments Group (DSEAG) within the Environmental Test & Explosive Components (ETEC) section of the Defense Technologies Engineering Division.

This assignment requires on-site work and will offer limited flexibility to work from home.

This position 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

• Conduct moderately complex to complex mechanical engineering activities and contribute to the development of processes and diagnostics for assessing initiation systems components.
• Provide administrative leadership for new and ongoing projects by:
  • Establishing project objectives
  • Prioritizing parallel tasks
  • Allocating resources
  • Contributing to project/program milestone completion and
  • Providing solutions to problems through application of advanced techniques and methodologies.
• Collaborate with other team members in the design, implementation, and qualification of equipment.
• Work with energetic materials and obtain LLNL certification to handle explosives.
• Present written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate results as well as periodic progress reports.
• Conduct formal and informal design reviews and team efforts and influence or provide guidance and technical direction in developing new processes and capabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Provide advanced knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues, using the broad application of technical concepts and techniques.
• Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs in support of on-going projects that require in-depth analysis and the creative use of established or innovative methods.
• Coordinate project interfaces and process deployment by interfacing with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory and represent the organization as the primary technical contact on tasks and projects.
• Lead and/or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams in a growing, dynamic environment.

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, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree and 4 years of experience or Master’s Degree and 2 years of experience in one or more of the following: mechanical hardware design, automated systems design, or process development.
• Broad knowledge in one or more of the following: engineering design, engineering drawings, geometric tolerancing and dimensioning, machining processes, mechanical fabrication, materials properties, and manufacturing methods.
• Ability to obtain certification as an explosives handler (LLNL training).
• Ability to perform independent work with technical objectives and ability to meet schedule and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities.
• Ability to work in a collaborative research and development environment.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental data.
• Proficient verbal and written communication, organizational and interpersonal skills necessary to work with experimental teams which may include members from all disciplines and working effectively under conflicting and rigorous deadlines.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Bachelor’s Degree and 6 years or Master’s Degree and 4 years of engineering hardware design, fabrication, and/or testing processes and the ability to meet schedule and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities.
• Ability to lead, manage, and mentor junior team members.
• Advanced 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 and provide advice to management.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in project management.
• Significant experience in accredited process environments.
• Experience in the qualification of production processes.

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-Hybrid

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!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

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.

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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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

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