Mechanical/Manufacturing 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/Manufacturing Engineer to join our Manufacturing Engineering and Technology Development Group. You will apply engineering principles to contribute to and/or lead projects supporting stockpile stewardship programs. These efforts will include the planning and execution of strategies of new and existing technologies ranging from additive manufacturing to dimensional metrology. You will become familiar with the ongoing priorities of the programs being supported to assist in developing proposals for future technology development that aids in the success of program objectives. Projects may involve requirements that are beyond commercially available capabilities and solutions may require modifications to commercial tools or development of advanced tools, and fabrication methods. When available technology is inadequate to meet current or future program needs, forward thinking will be essential for envisioning directions for technology development. This position is in the Material Engineering Division (MED), within 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 depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

You will

• Provide engineering solutions of limited complexity for the characterization and processes used in the fabrication of components, including tooling design, and procedure development.
• Perform inspection operations of limited complexity and interpret specifications and mechanical drawings.
• Develop and execute Design of Experiments (DoE) studies to optimize process parameters.
• Work with multiple disciplinary teams to achieve engineering goals.
• Perform engineering calculations to support design, fabrication, and operations.
• Analyze and interpret data and the methods used to collect it.
• Work independently under general direction and collaboratively as part of a team while adhering to defined practices and procedures.
• Present technical approaches, project plans, and documentation to peers and program managers.
• Utilize Manufacturing Executing System (MES) for data entry, part tracking, and manufacturing optimization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties at the SES.2 Level

• Solve moderately complex to complex technical issues related to mechanical systems and manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain procedures and processes to ensure that work is up to safety and quality standards.
• Utilize rigorous error budgets, kinematic (exact) constraint, and other precision engineering principles to qualify processes, provide quantified design enhancements as needed to meet capability requirements, and oversee the fabrication and implementation of these designs.
• Develop and present research and development proposals.
• Represent additive manufacturing processes to internal stakeholders and designers, providing technical support for development of components and hardware.

• 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, Materials Engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Fundamental knowledge of engineering principles and technologies, as well as their related application spaces
• Fundamental engineering knowledge associated with machining and inspection operations and experience interpreting specifications and technical drawings.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team with effective organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information
• Experience with responsibility for research, design, analysis, prototyping, and early fabrication/assembly/test

Additional Qualifications at the SES.2 Level

• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles and technologies, with demonstrated ability to apply these to both new and existing moderately complex processes/equipment.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information
• Experience leading or contributing to design reviews.
• Broad applications of fundamentals of vacuum technology and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).

Qualifications we desire

• Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in CAD/CAM programming (Solidworks, Autodesk Netfabb, Prusa Slicer, EOSPrint, Stratasys Insight, Materialize Magics, Fusion 360, Mastercam).
• Experience in L-PBF, SLS, FDM, and/or SLA additive manufacturing.
• Experience in machining using lathes, mills, wire-edm, band saws, welding, casting, forming, etc.
• Understanding of additive manufacturing workflows, materials, and post-processing methods.
• Experience handling classified documents, parts, and removable electronic media.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality standards.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE), metrology tools, and statistical process control.
• Experience with welding equipment, including GTAW (TIG) welding and robotic welders.
• Experience working with customized foundry and welding systems in a R&D environment and working with radioactive/fissile materials.

Pay Range:

$121,830 - $185,544 Annually
$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level
$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 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-Onsite

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.

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. 

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