Machine Learning Software Developer

We have an opening for a Machine Learning Software Developer to help to shape research and development efforts to secure software and firmware used in systems critical to our national security including industrial control systems in partnership with the Federal government manufacturers and asset owners and operators. You will also lead or contribute to the creation of Large Language Model-driven agents which work to better understand supply chain threats to critical systems and networks. These positions are programmatically in Global Securitys Energy and Homeland Security (E) Program and administratively in the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD) within the Computing Directorate.

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.

This position offers a hybrid schedule blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Design implement deploy and maintain software systems using object-oriented analysis design and programming techniques in Python.
• Provide computer science machine learning or software development support to multitalented teams using industry standard software development practices modern programming languages and operating systems.
• Develop a range of LLM applications including scientific graphical user interface database and visualization applications on UNIX platforms.
• Participate in the requirements definition analysis design implementation debugging testing and optimization of computer programs on workstations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level 

• Guide the development of novel software firmware and malware analysis tools leveraging LLM design strategies to better understand and mitigate threats to operational technology such as industrial control system malware.
• Identify new applications and opportunities for and help create vision and technical direction for software capabilities for critical networks and infrastructure cybersecurity working with LLNLs program leadership.
• Develop new program growth opportunities through interactions with existing and potential sponsors and the development of research proposals.
• Develop drive propose and execute new ideas and approaches to meet existing and potential sponsor needs in order to attract and retain projects programs and funding.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in computer science machine learning computer engineering artificial intelligence or related field or an equivalent combination of technical education and relevant experience.
• Experience with development of Reinforcement learning Large Language Model frameworks agentic AI or Graph Neural Networks.
• Experience in all aspects of software project life cycle: feasibility requirements design implementation integration test and deployment.
• Broad experience developing software with either Python C or JAVA within Linux UNIX and/or Windows environments.
• Ability to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities along with the demonstrated ability to effectively change focus when necessary.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to communicate comprehensive knowledge effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts and advise senior management and/or external sponsors and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Significant project leadership experience and ability to apply lead and develop cutting-edge principles and research working independently while effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
• Significant experience creating technical directions and vision writing research proposals and securing sponsor funding.
• Significant experience in and knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas:
  • Data collection techniques
  • Leading software engineering projects from architecture to maintenance
  • AI/ML agentic MCP or other LLM integrations
  • AI Model poisoning
  • OT/IoT system design attack vectors or hardening techniques
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to present technical information provide technical guidance and interact effectively with management and external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced degree with significant focus in cybersecurity computer science information technology computer engineering AI/ML or a related field.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following computer science disciplines: embedded systems scientific data analysis machine learning systems programming software engineering formal verification methods industrial control systems or high-performance computing.
• Ability to secure sponsor funding through winning proposals and sponsor relationships. Previous experience working Department of Energy Department of Homeland Security Department of Defense a utility manufacturing or hardware/software company or a cybersecurity firm.

Pay Range

$146340 - $185544 Annually for the SES.2 level 

$175530 - $222564 Annually for the SES.3 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-Hybrid

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.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time