Senior Mechanical Engineer

We have multiple openings for Senior Mechanical Engineers to participate in new and ongoing projects. We provide nuclear weapon engineering design expertise; systems engineering; experimental device design; fabrication and assembly; surveillance of nuclear stockpile components; engineering analysis and computational simulation; and engineering testing for evaluation and maintenance of the enduring and future nuclear weapon stockpile. Our engineers interface with colleagues at other National Laboratories and Production Agencies National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) and their contractors. These positions are in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) within the Engineering Directorate. DTED provides support to Strategic Deterrence Programs.

Depending on your assignment this position may offer a hybrid schedule blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

These positions 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 mechanical and electromechanical design.
• Conduct research in structural thermal hydraulic or dynamics modeling of mechanical systems.
• Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs in support of on-going projects.
• Prepare supporting health and safety documentation that is aligned with the Integrated Safety Management (ISM) requirement and participate in design and Management Prestart Reviews.
• Coordinate project interfaces and deployment interfacing with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Lead and/or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams in a growing dynamic environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level 

• Set broad project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for self and others.
• Provide expert capability in highly complex mechanical design and analysis.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical design.
• Significant experience in prototype development and testing as well as hardware design and analysis.
• Ability to devise solutions for unique and complex problems.
• Ability and flexibility to reprioritize and change programmatic direction depending on emergent requests.
• Significant experience in managing overseeing and delivering multiple projects on budget and schedule.
• Ability to lead manage and mentor junior team members.
• Advanced communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner both verbal and written for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members.                      

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level 

• Expertise in highly complex mechanical design and analysis and significant experience in project planning and highly complex technical leadership.
• Significant experience developing and implementing creative solutions to a diverse range of highly complex problems and leading corrective actions where necessary.
• Expert communication facilitation and collaboration skills necessary to present explain and advise senior management and/or external sponsors and proven record of team building and conflict resolution.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles and practices and their application.

Additional Information :

#LI-Hybrid

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) 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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  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.

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  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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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time