Automation Engineer

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to assist in the development and delivery of complex automation and robotics projects supporting LLNLs programmatic and scientific missions. You will assist engineering staff and management by contributing to a multidisciplinary and dynamic portfolio of engineering and research. You will bring hands-on experience programming robotics and PLCs supporting the commissioning of safety-compliant systems and designing and building physical systems including electrical panels robotic cells complex electromechanical systems and safety systems. This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) of the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Work independently under general direction to design build commission and troubleshoot automation robotics and mechatronics projects using standard techniques and fundamental knowledge while adhering to defined practices and procedures.
• Leverage industry-proven industrial automation technologies including but not limited to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) human-machine interfaces (HMIs) machine vision systems sensors actuators and various robot systems.
• Organize analyze and present data from research including documenting methods assumptions results and insights in reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with other internal and external groups at LLNL and in some cases at other institutions.
• Conduct research and analysis to address well-defined problems.
• Work with vendors and internal teams to support safe and compliant project execution.
• 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 engineering software engineering mechatronics or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and related technical experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of industry experience deploying automation systems in manufacturing or a related industry.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams to build install or troubleshoot automation equipment.
• Comprehensive experience programming industrial-grade PLCs such as Allen-Bradley and Beckhoff systems and industrial-grade robotic arms such as KUKA FANUC and Universal Robots.
• Experience designing and implementing electrical pneumatic and mechanical systems.
• Experience with CAD and other design software packages.
• Experience building industrial closed-loop control systems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety customer service and timely project delivery.
• Experience managing and maintaining laboratory resources and equipment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters degree in mechanical engineering software engineering mechatronics or a closely related field.
• Experience designing implementing maintaining and troubleshooting Safety Interlock Systems (SIS).
• Knowledge of safety standards including ISO and ANSI and LLNL institutional design safety standards.
• Experience or detailed knowledge of welding fabricating or machining metal parts or assemblies.
• Experience with rapid prototyping through 3D printing and laser cutting.
• Experience supporting multidisciplinary engineering teams in a research or laboratory environment.
• Certifications relevant to mechatronics controls robotics or industrial automation.

Pay Range

$146340 - $185544 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.  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