Senior NNSS Mechanical Engineer (Nevada - Las Vegas)

We have an opening for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to participate in new and ongoing projects at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). You will lead the design deployment fabrication and assembly of various nuclear weapon components; surveillance of nuclear stockpile components; and engineering testing for evaluation and maintenance of the enduring and future nuclear weapon stockpile at several facilities in the United States primarily supporting the work at the Device Assembly Facility (DAF) in Nevada. You will interface with colleagues at other National Laboratories and Production Agencies National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) and their contractors. This position is in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) within the Engineering Directorate and primary job responsibility will occur at the NNSS. DTED provides support to Strategic Deterrence (SD) Programs.

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. 

You will 

• Provide technical expertise in engineering requirements develop conceptual designs and perform supporting analyses of complex mechanical systems test prototypes and associated diagnostics.
• Lead and/or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams in a growing dynamic environment.
• Lead team members in the execution of the detail design process component part fabrication and unit assembly.
• Provide expertise for engineering relevant subjects and provide technical guidance in development of solutions to complex problems that may not be well defined.
• Produce safety and engineering documentation lead in engineering design reviews and collaborate in the development of innovative methods and technology.
• Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs in support of ongoing projects.
• Lead engineering testing operations analyze results and write reports.
• Prepare present and explain written and verbal presentations of technical work including providing advice to management.
• Oversee detailed plans schedules and budgets for project activities focusing on defining developing and deploying critical components consistent with schedule and budget constraints.
• Maintain and ensure quality standards for deliverables leveraging team members skills to successfully complete complex projects.
• Coordinate project interfaces and deployment including interfacing with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level

• Provide expert capability in solving highly complex problems and apply highly advanced engineering knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues.
• Perform advanced level technical tasks to provide solutions for a diverse range of highly complex issues.
• Set broad project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for self and others.
• Manage scope of work that involves many parallel tasks requiring the resolution of conflicting work requirements as well as prioritization of tasks toward targets.
• Collaborate with sponsors/customers and lead industry partners to address sponsor/customer needs from the Subject Matter Expert (SME) perspective.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Qlevel security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of and significant experience with one or more of the following: engineering hardware design systems engineering manufacturing techniques testing processes FEA structural analysis.
• Advanced working knowledge of and/or significant experience with design principles material properties and manufacturing methods.
• Significant experience working effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and/or project planning scheduling professional service estimates and adherence to completion dates.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage small and multidisciplinary teams.
• Significant experience using standard project management practices.
• Experience developing and implementing solutions to complex problems including applying technical best practices theories concepts and techniques.
• Desire to work on National Security projects related to nuclear weapons and flexibility to work in different technical areas.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Ability to travel up to 50% time between Las Vegas NV and Livermore CA or other DOE complex sites as needed.
• Ability to secure and maintain certification in the Human Reliability Program (HRP) which includes polygraph examination physical and psychological assessment and random drug and alcohol testing.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Expert level knowledge of and significant  experience with engineering hardware design fabrication or testing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage a scope of work that involves many parallel tasks including resolving conflicting work requirements and prioritizing tasks.
• Expert communication facilitation and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present explain influence and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles and practices and their application.
• Advance knowledge of materials equipment or technologies associated with production of mechanical hardware electronics additive manufacturing and QA/QC documentation skills.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in nuclear weapons program stockpile systems components classified materials experimental data and related diagnostic and testing equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear facility operation including a basic understanding of safety bases documentation.
• Significant experience working in an environment with stringent safety and security practices.

Additional Information :

#LIHybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2025 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  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Qlevel 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.  Qlevel clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

  PreEmployment Drug Test

  External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a postoffer preemployment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Fulltime