Mechanical Test 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.

Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) has multiple openings for Mechanical Test Engineers to support the Environmental & Mechanical Test Group. Under supervision, you will conduct experimental testing on a variety of projects related to environmental testing, modal analysis, health monitoring, aging studies, data acquisition, load testing, general instrumentation and measurement diagnostics. Work supports multiple program areas, including Strategic Deterrence, Global Security, and the National Ignition Facility. This position will report to a DTED Environmental & Mechanical Test Group Leader.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

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

• Design and conduct tests on mechanical and\or diagnostic systems, analyze results, and author reports.
• Conduct experimental modal analyses and analyze results in concert with modeling and simulation.
• Operate test equipment (shaker systems, shock machines, thermal chambers, etc.) using fundamental knowledge of best test and measurement practices.
• Prepare supporting safety and engineering documentation and participate in formal engineering design reviews.
• Perform supporting engineering calculations for structural, thermal, and diagnostic systems.
• Participate in the detailed design process, component part fabrication and unit assembly.
• Provide solutions to problems of limited complexity that require the evaluation of readily identifiable factors using standard techniques and methodologies.
• Work as a member of a project team in a dynamic environment.
• Interface with peers both internal and external to the organization to plan and execute testing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level 

• Independently define engineering requirements for structural, thermal, fluidic, and diagnostic systems within assigned project scope.
• Generate detailed plans, schedules, and budgets for project activities.
• Perform independent technical tasks and projects and support research efforts and select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results based on analysis of multiple, largely identifiable factors.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent Combination of education and experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of testing practices and data processing.
• Fundamental knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: vibration and shock measurements, experimental modal and dynamic analysis, general instrumentation (i.e. accelerometers, strain gages, thermo-couples, resistance thermal detectors (RTD’s), capacitance gages, laser vibrometers, pressure sensors, etc.), general data acquisition theory (Nyquist criterion, anti-aliasing, etc.).
• Experience using MatLab or other computer programming codes for data manipulation and analysis.
• Fundamental knowledge of engineering hardware design and fabrication.
• Effective communication skills with proven ability to present technical concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner, both verbal and written for presentation and collaboration with other technical staff members.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level 

• Comprehensive knowledge of measurement sensors and an understanding of when to use specific sensors for certain applications
• Ability to use independent judgment in determining methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
• Comprehensive verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s (MS) or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

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-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.