Precision/Mechanical Engineer - Precision Systems & Manufacturing Group

Job Description

We have an opening for a Precision/Mechanical Engineer to join our Precision Systems & Manufacturing Group. You will apply precision and mechanical engineering principles to develop solutions to a wide variety of research and development projects. These efforts will include the design and implementation of hardware 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 other related engineering activities. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering mission-critical capabilities for LLNL. 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. 

This position will be filled at either level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Design and implement novel precision and mechanical hardware solutions and/or quantified enhancements for existing hardware by utilizing precision engineering approaches, engineering calculations and analysis, rigorous design documentation, and overseeing fabrication and implementation.
• Quantify design effectiveness through the development of prototypes and execution of testing and validation plans involving the integration of sensors and actuators, utilization of data acquisition equipment, evaluation of test data, and authoring and presenting reports of findings.
• Work under limited direction and collaboratively as part of a team to develop, implement, and qualify hardware solutions of moderate complexity, including setting design goals and constraints, in support of various research and programmatic applications.
• Develop and present technical approaches, project plans, and documentation to peers and program managers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Propose, implement, and guide precision and mechanical hardware solutions for hands-on laboratory R&D experiments that support Laboratory mission priorities.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and project management for multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, designers, and technicians.
• Use advanced knowledge and judgment to independently define technical objectives from evolving requirements, prioritize concurrent work, and allocate resources across complex design, testing, and validation efforts for precision, mechanical, and/or optomechanical systems.
• Lead formal and informal design reviews to develop and implement solutions for complex precision and mechanical hardware challenges, applying modeling and analysis tools and creative use of established techniques and methods.
• Collaborate to develop innovative precision and mechanical methods and technologies that enable project completion, advance organizational goals, and inform future technical approaches and proposal development.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Master’s degree in Precision Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in the design, analysis, and fabrication of precision and mechanical components and assemblies, including proficiency in applying and interpreting specifications and technical drawings including ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with material selection, manufacturing methods, or metrology for precision tooling and hardware.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in hardware integration and testing, including sensors, actuators, control systems, and data acquisition systems, with the ability to apply these to both new and existing processes/equipment.
• Proficient verbal and written communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information to management and/or external sponsors.
• Proficient interpersonal skills with an emphasis on developing relationships and building long-term collaborations with internal and/or external partners.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Significant experience developing, designing, commissioning, validating, operating, and maintaining complex precision mechanical and/or optomechanical systems, including ensuring compatibility with interdependent systems, under minimal direction.
• Significant experience defining scope from ambiguous, evolving, and/or rapidly changing requirements, with demonstrated flexibility to reprioritize work and adjust programmatic direction in response to emerging needs.
• Advanced leadership skills and significant experience mentoring others, leading small technical teams, managing project scope and schedule, and developing research proposals.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively, clearly present and explain technical information, and advise management.

Qualifications We Desire

• Proficient in commercial software applications such as Matlab, Python, or Visual Basic.
• Working engineering knowledge associated with precision manufacturing.
• Experience in precision alignment of mechanical and/or optomechanical systems.
• Design for High Voltage, RF, and/or High Vacuum.
• Thermal management, including liquid cooling systems.
• Ruggedization of precision optomechanical assemblies.
• Experience contributing to multi-year engineering projects that require strong organizational skills, specifically in the management of requirements, schedules, milestones, results analysis, and technical reports.

Pay Range

$146,340 - $222,564 Annually

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 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.

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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. 

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