Engineering Technical AssociateSenior Engineering Associate High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF) Gun Bay Lead

We have an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate/Senior Engineering Associate to support the High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF) as the Gun Bay Lead for various research guns (gas powder pneumatic etc.) utilized in shock physics based research and development activities. You will collaborate with engineers and physicists to provide advanced technical logistics support for experiments.  You will lead a team of technicians and systems operators providing operations and maintenance support for the various guns in HEAF. This position is based in Livermore within the Gun Bay at HEAF. This position is in the Strategic Deterrence 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 job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will:

• Work with Principal Investigators to define experimental gun operational needs and technical requirements.
• Provide technical expertise to plan and schedule activities to implement and execute experiments on various gun platforms.
• Define organize and manage processes for gun operations and maintenance.
• Manage the technical activities of an operational team(s) across multiple organizations.
• Review and/or perform gun loading calculations and system configuration.
• Compose reports create presentations and collaborate on analysis reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the 339.2 level

• Make frequent decisions using a high degree of independent discretion and judgment to create and implement original solutions.
• Lead engineering technical staff and provide highly advanced mechanical/electronic support and hands-on operations through the design and assembly of highly complex components and systems based upon specifications from engineers physicists or facility personnel.
• Develop project planning and budgeting maintain schedules propose procurement activities and implement original solutions to establish guidelines.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering Technology or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related technical discipline.
• Experience working on and with research guns (pneumatic powder 2 stage gas/powder).
• Experience with small arms and reloading.
• Experience providing technical direction to others leading and/or supervising personnel in laboratory and operations settings.
• Advanced knowledge in engineering design fabrication and assembly techniques.
• Experience conducting and/or participating in design reviews/pre-shot meetings.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to qualify as a High-Explosive (HE) Handler and/or qualify to work with radioactive materials or systems.

Additional qualifications at the 339.2 level

• Experience with highly advanced fabrication and assembly techniques directly applicable to material components systems and/or equipment.
• Experience with project planning budgeting and/or resource planning.
• Experience leading a technical team.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience handling explosives gun propellant and reloading equipment.
• Experience optimizing large gun operational parameters to acquire scientific data.
• Knowledgeable in pressure and vacuum systems.

Pay Range

$125310 - $185640 Annually

$125310 - $153444 Annually for the 337.1 level

$151620 - $185640 Annually for the 339.2 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)
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  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