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 an Engineering Associate to lead and support experimental efforts within the High Explosives Application Facility (HEAF). In this role, you will partner with Explosive Research Experimental Leads (ERELs) to provide technical leadership and coordination of effort for the Explosive Research Mechanical Support Team. You will collaborate with Scientists, Engineers, and Project Leaders to deliver advanced technical support for the design, fabrication, diagnostics, assembly, and fielding of experiments supporting Strategic Deterrence (SD), Global Security (GS), Engineering, and Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) directorates. Periodic travel for field support may be required. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Provide technical leadership for mechanical hardware design, material selection, fabrication, assembly, manufacturing, and testing activities.
• Coordinate and prioritize the work of the Explosive Research Mechanical Support Team by assigning tasks, balancing workload, and prioritizing resources to meet project objectives.
• Guide design, fabrication, and assembly efforts to ensure alignment with program goals, quality standards, and project schedules.
• Develop, modify, and review detailed 3D models and engineering drawings.
• Apply innovative technical expertise of drafting standards and ASME Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing principles to produce accurate technical documentation.
• Support the design, fabrication, manufacture, and assembly of explosive devices and related mechanical hardware, with a strong understanding of system function and performance requirements.
• Work closely with engineering, fabrication, and testing personnel to improve design quality, manufacturability, and assembly efficiency under general supervision and direction.
• Contribute technical expertise to explosive development efforts through design, fabrication, testing, and evaluation phases.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports, procedures, and presentations to support project communication and decision-making.
• Develop and document test parameters, procedures, and safety documentation, and provide technical input to improve test reliability and execution.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 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 engineering technology or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Advanced experience in Microsoft office applications, such as Word, Excel, Project, and Power Point.
• Advanced experience in mechanical design, fabrication, inspection, assembly, testing processes, and experimental methods.
• Experience leading or coordinating schedules and activities, including organizing resources, aligning tasks with milestones, and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Ability to mentor and provide technical direction to others.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with SolidWorks CAD software.
• Advanced knowledge of the standards, procedures, and techniques related to drafting and/or advanced knowledge of the ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Standard.
• Advanced understanding of the function, manufacture, and assembly of explosive devices and experience supporting explosives experiment design.
• Advanced written and verbal communication, feedback, and presentation skills sufficient to develop and report data, and to successfully lead a multidisciplinary team in a highly collaborative environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Certified LLNL Explosives Handler or equivalent training for handling and testing explosives.
• Knowledge of LLNL drafting standards.
• Knowledge of and experience with LLNL procurement processes.
• Experience with high-speed data acquisition and processing equipment.
• Familiarity with the Department of Energy (DOE) Explosives Safety Standard.

Pay Range

$125,310 - $153,444 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 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.