Mechanical Engineer- Generalist, NIF&PS

We have multiple openings for Generalist Mechanical Engineers. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate home to the worlds most energetic laser.  It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved fusion ignition in December 2022 a historic moment in science opening up new physics regimes and setting the stage for new fusion energy possibilities.

You will work on projects and provide technical expertise involving electromechanical systems with integrated electrical optical and mechanical components novel laser diagnostics large-scale laser beam path mechanics positioners for precision laser components and laser system support hardware.  In addition you will provide engineering solutions for a variety of projects ranging from development of the next generation laser systems to upgrades to the current systems and will be involved throughout the product development life cycle starting with concept initiation and requirements gathering and continuing to implementation testing and installation of the system. These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

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.

In this role you will

• Operate under general direction with limited responsibility adhere to established procedures and use fundamental knowledge and standard techniques to solve problems and contribute to project milestone completion.
• Participate in the design and engineering of current and next-generation laser and electromechanical systems as well as supporting equipment and components by contributing to the development of conceptual designs and performing supporting analysis in accordance with derived requirements.
• Collaborate and support team members in the detailed design process component part fabrication and unit assembly for systems of limited complexity.
• Participate and collaborate with team members in the design and characterization of  machine subsystems including prototype testing and diagnostics assessing tolerance stack-ups formulating error budgets and applying measured error compensation systems.
• Participate in the development and execution of test plans for prototype components and systems ensuring robust performance and reliability by providing recommendations and solutions to problems of limited complexity.
• Contribute to the analysis for components and participate in providing supporting safety and engineering documentation to ensure compliance with process requirements and operational excellence.
• Present technical findings and participate in engineering design reviews to drive project success.
• Prepare technical documents and author clear concise technical presentations.
• Participate in the development and implementation of solutions to commissions maintenance and calibration procedures for well-defined subsystems including analyzing summarizing and presenting data results.
• Contribute to project milestones by generating  detailed plans schedules and budgets for project activities under general direction to support efficient project execution.
• Collaborate closely with team members to ensure the successful integration and proper functioning of commissioned systems. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.2 level

• Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility use comprehensive knowledge and exercise independent judgment to determine methods and recommend improvements within established frameworks and contribute to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals.
• Contribute to the scope schedule budget and quality of moderately complex to complex engineering work and provide regular updates to management to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Provide solutions to develop advanced capabilities leveraging comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering processes.
• Use independent judgement to determine methods techniques and evaluation criteria for to contribute to the  hardware design and function of commissioning instrumentation and tooling under limited direction. 

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 related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of and experience with the design commissioning operation and maintenance of systems of limited complexity systems.
• Fundamental knowledge of common data analysis techniques statistics and/or systems engineering.
• Operational experience with and fundamental knowledge of machine structural design assembly or control design processes.
• Foundational understanding of design principles and their practical application.
• Experience with process engineering and workflow optimization.
• Experience using standard project management practices to drive project success.
• Experience participating with multidisciplinary teams to solve technical problems of limited complexity while working under general direction.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Comprehensive knowledge of moderately complex to complex precision hardware and mechanical system design.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with design commissioning operation and maintenance of  mechanical systems.
• Broad experience applying systems engineering processes to mechanical design and testing.
• Broad experience in identifying defining and solving moderately complex to complex multi-disciplinary problems in a timely cost-effective manner.
• Proficiency and broad experience participating as an active member of design review processes and/or informally mentoring others in areas of technical specialty.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in determining optimal techniques methods and evaluation criteria for answering questions interacting with management and providing input on technical issues for specific projects.

Pay Range

$121830 - $185544 Annually

$121830 - $154500 Annually for the SES.1 level

$146340- $185544 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; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employees 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  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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time