Metrology/Precision Research Engineer

Job Description

We have an opening for a Metrology/Precision Research Engineer to join our Precision Systems & Manufacturing Group. You will apply precision engineering and dimensional metrology principles to contribute to and/or lead projects ranging from novel research initiatives to stockpile stewardship support. These efforts include the planning and execution of strategies for the design, fabrication, and characterization of precision hardware; the design and development of novel dimensional metrology tools and techniques; and the quantification of measurement uncertainty in new and existing measurement technologies. You will collaborate with project managers, physicists, designers, engineers, and external vendors/collaborators to ensure design and metrology requirements are defined, interpreted and communicated accurately, and that metrology data is captured, processed, documented, disseminated, and retained in accordance with program needs. You will become familiar with the ongoing priorities of the programs being supported and help develop proposals for future technology development that advances program objectives. Projects may involve requirements that are beyond commercially available capabilities, and solutions may require modifying 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 problem solving will be essential to help shape future technology directions.  This position is in the Materials 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 based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Contribute to projects requiring precision engineering and metrology expertise in the selection, design, development, fabrication, implementation, analysis and qualification of unique precision hardware, metrology equipment, and characterization methods, including procedure development and uncertainty analysis.
• Use standard precision engineering approaches and tools to design, fabricate, assemble, test, and analyze precision hardware and assemblies.
• Use both commercial and custom dimensional metrology equipment to contribute to the development and qualification of metrology routines on complex precision assemblies, as well as the definition of new measurement parameters and acceptance criteria for new and existing components and assemblies.
• Use optical techniques, such as interferometry, confocal microscopy, structured light scanning (SLS), and photogrammetry to characterize unique precision components.
• Assist in processing, analyzing, and interpreting metrology data using standard statistical techniques, uncertainty analysis, and requirement verification techniques using Matlab, Python, or similar tools.
• Use commercial software and/or contribute to the development of custom methods to process and analyze point cloud data, perform automated virtual measurements, process and store vendor inspection reports, and present metrology data in readily accessible formats for a wide range of users.
• Generate and interpret specifications and mechanical drawings, and perform engineering calculations to support design, fabrication, assembly, and/or metrology operations.
• Work independently under general direction and/or collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team on projects of limited complexity.
• Present technical approaches, project plans, and documentation to peers and program managers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Solve moderately complex to complex technical issues related to precision design and metrology.
• Utilize rigorous error budgets, kinematic (exact) constraint, and other precision engineering principles to qualify processes, provide quantified design and/or characterization enhancements as needed to meet program requirements, and oversee the fabrication and implementation of these designs.
• Plan and execute on strategies to quantify the performance of new and existing metrology, characterization, and sensing technologies while working under limited direction.
• Develop characterization techniques that enable requirements verification for components and assemblies using advanced metrology tools.
• Develop and present research and development proposals.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental engineering knowledge related to the research, design, and analysis of precision hardware.
• Fundamental knowledge of metrology principles and technologies, as well as their application spaces.
• Fundamental knowledge in commercial software applications such as Matlab, Visual Basic (VB),Python, or similar.
• Experience applying and interpreting specifications and technical drawings, including ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work both 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.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of metrology principles and technologies, with demonstrated ability to apply them to new or existing moderately complex problems.
• Experience in applying uncertainty analysis, error budgeting, kinematic (exact) constraint, and other precision engineering principles with demonstrated ability to apply them to new or existing processes/equipment.
• Proficient communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience contributing to multi-year engineering projects that require strong organizational skills, specifically in the management of requirements, metrology data, analysis results, and technical reports.
• Experience contributing to design reviews.
• Experience analyzing accuracy and resolution limits in metrology tools and manufacturing equipment.
• Fundamental engineering knowledge of machine tool kinematics.
• Experience with fabrication, assembly, and test of precision hardware.
• Proficient in point cloud analysis software such as GOM Inspect or Polyworks.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on developing relationships and building long-term collaborations with internal and/or external sponsors.

Pay Range

$121,830 - $185,544 Annually
$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level
$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.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.  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.

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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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