Engineering Technical Associate

Job Description

We have an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate to support the Kinetic Technologies (KT) team. You will contribute to new and on-going experiments at LLNL’s Livermore Site, Site 300, and other locations within the Nuclear Weapons Enterprise (NWE) complex. Primary work activities are conducted in the B131 High Bay. The selected candidate will work in a team environment to execute experiments involving conventional weapons and energetic materials. You will work independently, occasionally leading technical teams, to solve and implement original solutions ranging from complex to highly complex technical problems associated with electronic/mechanical systems. The selected candidate will make frequent decisions using a high degree of independent discretion and judgment in design concepts and system improvements. The selected candidate may have technical lead authority and responsibilities. This position is in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) within the Engineering Directorate, supporting operations within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) and Strategic Threat Analysis and Response (STAR) organizations. This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work. With occasional travel to other Nuclear Weapons Enterprise (NEW) or Department of War (DOW) sites in the United States and elsewhere.

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 you are selected at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on experimental needs and fielded test systems and instrumentation.
• Design, fabricate, assemble, disassemble, upgrade, and retrofit moderately complex to advanced electro-mechanical components and systems, using work control process and procedure requirements while working independently.
• Provide advanced level technical support to engineering, scientific, and technical staff while planning and conducting experiments in support of Kinetic Technologies program mission at Livermore Site 300 and other NWE sites
• Apply high level knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes in solving mechanical problems while using established guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
• Develop test, troubleshooting, maintenance, and operational procedures. Provide documentation input in support of small to large-scale experiments.
• Collect, prepare, communicate, and present data and test results, identify problems and suggest solutions.
• May provide technical advice and direction to other technical staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Additional job responsibilities, at the 339.2 level

• Provide highly advanced technical support to scientific, engineering, and technical personnel through specialized technical knowledge relating to design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of parts/materials/equipment.
• Make high impact decisions using a high degree of independent discretion and judgement to balance Kinetic Technology program needs and hardware testing dates. Resolving issues by developing creative solutions.
• Provide input to Kinetic Technologies functional cost and budget forecasts.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• BS degree in engineering technology and/or electro-optics technology, or equivalent combination of education and significant related experience.
• Experience making independent, fundamental decisions regarding a variety of complex technical problems in completion of work assignments.
• Significant experience providing advanced electro-mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, and system set-up in support of experiments and experimental campaigns.
• Significant experience in mechanical fabrication, assembly and engineering principles.
• Experience leading teams or other technical staff in the fabrication and assembly of complex systems.
• Advanced written and verbal communication and presentation skills and ability to work constructively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience with project and workforce effort planning, training, and providing technical direction to others.
• Ability to complete and maintain certifications as required by the position.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. in a safe and controlled manner.
• Ability to become medically qualified to wear respiratory and other protective equipment and perform moderate work effort while wearing respirators.
• Ability to periodically travel to Nuclear Security Enterprise sites in support of program mission.

Additional qualifications at the 339.2 level

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction while providing frequent decision making using a high degree of independent discretion and judgment to define approach and create and implement original solutions.
• Extensive experience and highly advanced skills, knowledge and abilities in electro-mechanical system level builds with high precision and critical timelines.
• Highly advanced written, verbal, feedback and presentation communication skills in and ability to present regular formalized reporting and presentations to management and outside collaborators.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working with classified materials and experimental equipment.
• High Explosives certification
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) certification
• Experience in fulfilling Work Control process and procedure requirements
• Experience working with machine tools

Pay Range

$125,310 - $185,640 Annually
$125,310 - $153,444 Annually for the 337.1 level
$151,620 - $185,640 Annually for the 339.2 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.

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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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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

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