Process Engineer - Active Clearance Required

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 146,340 - 222,564; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Benefits Package

401(k)

Relocation Assistance

Education Reimbursement Program

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory seeks a Process Engineer to develop tests for initiation systems, materials characterization, and high-speed diagnostics. You will join the Detonator Surveillance and Enhanced Assessments Group (DSEAG) within the ETEC division, performing data acquisition for LLNL stockpile assessments.

This on-site role requires certification to handle energetic materials and offers limited work-from-home flexibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Master's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering preferred.
• DOE Q-level or Top Secret clearance at hire or ability to obtain clearance.
• Experience with mechanical/electrical design, tolerancing, machining, and fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Lead moderately complex engineering activities for initiation systems diagnostics.
• Provide project leadership and resource planning for multiple concurrent projects.
• Collaborate on design, implementation, and qualification of diagnostics.
• Work with energetic materials and obtain LLNL explosives handling certification.
• Communicate results through written analyses and briefings.
• Participate in design reviews and development of new processes and capabilities.

Skills

Mechanical hardware

Electrical hardware

Automated systems

Process development

Data interpretation

Explosives handling

Project leadership

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering or related field

Master's in mechanical/electrical engineering

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.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Process Engineer to develop a full range of moderate to complex inspection and performance tests in the areas of initiation systems, materials characterization, and high‑speed diagnostics. In this 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 offers limited flexibility to work from home.

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.

You will

• Conduct moderately complex to complex 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 cutting‑edge diagnostics.
• 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 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

• 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 in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge in one or more of the following: mechanical hardware design, electrical hardware design, automated systems design, or process development and qualification.
• 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

• Advanced knowledge of engineering hardware design, fabrication, 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

Position Information

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

Benefits

• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)
• Our values - https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

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

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.

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