Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate – Target Diagnostics

We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate. You will provide design testing assembly process development technical oversight and documentation for the Target Diagnostics Engineering & Science (TDES) in the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. You will develop and implement advanced technical support in the design of experimental research and prototype equipment and components associated with mechanical systems. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

In this role you will

• Develop original solutions to complex technical problems determining appropriate work methods and establishing priorities to meet programmatic requirements.
• Oversee personnel and provide advanced mechanical support and hands-on operations through the measurement design and/or assembly of complex components and systems based upon specifications from engineers and scientists.
• Provide design evaluation review fabrication oversight testing assembly and documentation of various complex mechanical systems.
• Provide guidance to personnel in assigning tasks and prioritizing work.
• Conduct and/or participate in meetings where concepts are determined and translated into possible courses of actions.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to technicians making frequent decisions using independent discretion and judgment.
• Interface with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory to complete various LLNL design processes.
• Conduct and participate in design reviews including providing solutions gathering feedback and documenting decisions and action items.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in mechanical technology or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
• Extensive hands-on experience building and testing complex precision and mechanical systems.
• Advanced knowledge in engineering design and CAD metrology fabrication and CNC machining and assembly techniques.
• Experience of participating in engineering testing operations and analyzing results.
• Experience leading a technical team and managing work to a programmatic schedule.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and experience working independently as part of a multidisciplinary team in a schedule-driven environment.
• Possess advanced written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of materials equipment or technologies associated with high precision manufacturing and metrology.
• Experience and knowledge working in a clean room environment with precision cleaned components and equipment.
• Quality Assurance and/or Quality Check documentation skills used in an engineering environment.

Pay Range

$125310 - $153444 Annually

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.  Also you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.  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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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time