Mechanical Engineer – Pulsed Power Systems
Livermore, CA - USA
Job Summary
We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineer to support the Advanced Sources and Detectors (ASD) Scorpius program a first-of-a-kind linear accelerator advancing national security science. ASD Scorpius is being executed on behalf of the Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) through a multi-institution collaboration involving Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS).You will contribute to the design development and assembly of mechanical systems supporting high-energy pulsed power and accelerator technologies. This includes supporting the development and integration of solid-state pulsed power (SSPP) subsystems as well as high-voltage infrastructure and diagnostic systems critical to accelerator performance. You will perform hands-on engineering across the full lifecyclefrom concept development and detailed design through fabrication assembly integration and testing. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across institutions to develop robust hardware solutions and support system integration efforts contributing to the successful delivery of a complex first-of-its-kind national security capability. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.
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 responsibilities will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
In this role you will
- Design develop and support fabrication of mechanical components and assemblies for pulsed power and linear accelerator systems.
- Support assembly and integration of high-voltage subsystems including cable routing structural supports and diagnostic hardware.
- Develop and refine mechanical designs for oil-filled systems manifolds and insulating structures used in high-voltage environments.
- Conduct basic engineering analyses (e.g. structural thermal or FEA) to inform design decisions and improve system reliability.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems with electrical diagnostic and control subsystems.
- Support testing troubleshooting and commissioning of hardware including participation in experimental setup and data collection.
- Document designs procedures and test results; communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
- Follow safety quality and operational procedures in a highly regulated environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional job responsibilities at the SES.2 level
- Independently develop and implement moderately complex mechanical designs for pulsed power and accelerator subsystems.
- Lead discrete tasks or small projects including planning execution and coordination with cross-functional teams.
- Apply engineering judgment to evaluate design trade-offs and recommend improvements to system performance and manufacturability.
- Contribute to development of new design approaches tooling or processes that enhance efficiency reliability or throughput.
- Provide informal mentoring or technical guidance to junior staff interns or technicians.
Qualifications :
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
- Fundamental knowledge of mechanical engineering principles including design materials and manufacturing processes.
- Experience with CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks Creo) for part and assembly design.
- Fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience with mechanical fabrication assembly or laboratory/test environments.
- Familiarity with basic engineering analysis methods (e.g. FEA structural or thermal analysis).
- Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and document technical work.
- Ability to work under general direction and follow established engineering processes and procedures.
Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level
- Demonstrated ability to apply broad mechanical engineering principles to solve moderately complex technical problems.
- Comprehensive experience independently executing design fabrication or integration tasks in a laboratory manufacturing or R&D environment.
- Experience contributing to system-level integration testing or troubleshooting of engineering hardware.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment in selecting methods techniques and evaluation criteria within defined objectives.
Qualifications We Desire
- Experience with pulsed power systems high-voltage hardware or accelerator technologies.
- Experience designing or supporting oil-filled systems high-voltage insulation or dielectric materials.
- Familiarity with cable design routing or high-voltage interconnect systems.
- Experience with machine shop tools fabrication techniques or fixture/jig design.
- Exposure to multidisciplinary R&D environments involving rapid prototyping and testing.
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 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.
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
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