Software Developer-Mid Career

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 Software Developer in the Computing Directorate, matrixed to the Security & Protection (S&P) Program. The S&P program is responsible for developing and maintaining the Argus security system and related physical security hardware and software. S&P also collaborates with other DOE laboratories in developing and sustaining cutting-edge security system solutions. You will work on a multi-disciplinary team in an environment that focuses on problems of interest to LLNL and Department of Energy (DOE) programs as a member of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team environment. This position will be within a group in the Computing Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per week.

This position will be filled at either the SES.3 or SES.4 level based on knowledge and related experience, as assessed by the responsibilities outlined below.

You will

• Collaborate in the development and implementation of complex software engineering methods using industry standard software development practices and modern programming languages and operating systems.
• Guide the completion of projects and contribute to  the requirements definition, analysis, design, implementation, debugging, testing, and optimization of computer programs on workstations.
• Contribute to the fulfillment of technical projects and organizational objectives functioning as an effective team member on multi-disciplinary teams.
• Interact with fellow developers, management, and sponsors frequently to share relevant knowledge, opinions, and recommendations.
• Provide swift, creative technical solutions to complex stakeholder requests and critical operational requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Manage multiple highly complex, parallel tasks and priorities of customers and stakeholders, ensuring deadlines are met, while leveraging team member’s skills.
• Develop the design, implementation, deployment, and maintenance for software systems using object-oriented analysis, design, and programming techniques.
• Provide solutions to highly complex problems that require in-depth analysis of tangible and intangible factors.

• 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 Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced experience in object-oriented programming with high-level languages such as C++ or Java and interpreted languages such as Lua or Python.
• Advanced experience developing software within Linux and Windows environments utilizing all aspects of the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
•  Advanced experience with  Git source code control system and GitLab/GitHub.
•  Advanced experience providing innovative approaches and applying new technologies tasks and projects.
• Experience approaching difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expert knowledge and expert-level experience designing, implementing, deploying, and maintaining software systems using object-oriented analysis, design, and programming techniques.
• Expert-level experience in object-oriented programming with high-level languages such as C++ or Java and interpreted languages such as Lua or Python.
• Expert-level experience working ambiguous, complex projects under consultative direction, using innovative approaches, applying new technologies, and effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Expert-level experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and/or securing sponsor funding.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience developing software for access control and intrusion detection systems.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually at the SES.3 level

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually at the SES.4 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 Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

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 an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire. 

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. 

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.