Mechanical Engineer

Company Description

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.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineer to join our Precision Systems & Manufacturing Group. You will apply mechanical engineering principles to contribute to and/or lead projects ranging from novel research initiatives to supporting stockpile stewardship programs. These efforts will include the design and implementation of hardware and mechatronic solutions to program-critical problems, development and execution of instrumentation and testing platforms used to validate technology advances, assessment and iteration of designs based on testing data, and beyond. You will become familiar with the ongoing priorities of the programs being supported and assist in developing proposals for future contributions to 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, sensors, 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.

You will

• Work under general direction to develop, implement, and qualify unique hardware solutions of limited complexity in support of various research and programmatic applications, including Volumetric Additive Manufacturing, robotic and mechatronic systems, and drone systems.
• Execute testing and validation plans involving the creation of mechanical hardware, integration of sensors and actuators, and utilization of data acquisition equipment.
• Provide engineering solutions for the fabrication of components, including tooling design, procedure development, and assembly integration.
• Generate and interpret mechanical specifications and mechanical drawings.
• Perform engineering calculations to support design, fabrication, and/or assembly operations.
• Analyze and interpret test data to provide insight on test results.
• Work independently under general direction and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Present technical approaches, project plans, and documentation to peers and program managers.
• Work with project leadership to develop clear design goals and constraints to solve design challenges.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 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 related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and previous experience in hardware integration and testing, including sensors, actuators, control systems, and/or data acquisition systems, with the ability to apply these to both new and existing processes/equipment.
• Fundamental knowledge and previous experience in the design, analysis, and fabrication of mechanical components and/or assemblies.
• Fundamental knowledge and previous experience in the design and implementation of Volumetric Additive Manufacturing systems.
• Previous experience in the application and integration of robotic and mechatronic systems.
• Fundamental knowledge and previous experience in command and control of drone systems associated with data collection operations.
• 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.

Qualifications we desire

• Fundamental knowledge and previous experience in the selection and implementation of varied material systems for use in Additive Manufacturing processes.

Pay Range:

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually

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.

Additional Information

#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. 

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.