Mechanical Engineer

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.

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. 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 will offer 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 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.

• 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. 

#LI-Hybrid

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.

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. 

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.