Nondestructive Evaluation Engineer

We have an opening for a Nondestructive Evaluation Engineer. You will work under the guidance of staff members to perform optical and other NDE measurements analyze experiments and document results.  This work will directly enable fabrication processes required for development of materials including actinides components and assemblies that support LLNL programs.  This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) which is part of the Engineering Directorate.

This is a fixed-term position with a duration of one (1) year. 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.  

You will 

• Work under general direction of staff materials engineers in areas including quantitative structural and mechanical characterization to inform manufacturing process development and resolve process problems for components and assemblies.
• Conduct analyze and present data from experiments to develop and improve the understanding of materials components and assemblies.
• Create solutions to problems involving the measurement of structural and mechanical properties of materials components and assemblies by reviewing scientific and technical literature and published experimental techniques.
• Collaborate with scientists engineers and technicians to accomplish research goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.2 level

• Provide guidance and/or informal mentoring to less experienced personnel.
• Solve moderately complex to complex technical issues related to nondestructive testing.
• Develop and present research and development proposals.
• Work under limited direction - planning writing and executing NDE test protocols.

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.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience in optical characterization of structures demonstrated by coursework training and/or work experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience conducting experiments related to the optical characterization of materials and structures in static or dynamic states.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment document analyses and prepare present and explain technical information and publications.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with several materials and structural characterization techniques.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on developing relationships and building long term collaborations with internal and/or external sponsors.

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.  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 Flexible Term appointment which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

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. 

  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.

  How to identify fake job advertisements

  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.

  To learn more about recruitment scams:  Employment Opportunity

  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. 

  California Privacy Notice

  The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

  
  

  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time