Mechanical Design DrafterDesigner Space Program

We have an opening for a Mechanical Design Drafter or Designer to primarily support projects in the Space Science and Security Program within the Global Security Directorate; secondary support would include a wide variety of customers and projects including Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Strategic Deterrence (SD) Global Security (GS) accelerator technologies high-energy physics Energy and others. You will provide drafting and design support for mechanical apparatus equipment assemblies components facilities utilities and systems. Because of the vast and varying types of work we are involved with this position will require the Mechanical Designer to have the ability to be flexible working with various groups/projects that require design assistance. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) with 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 job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Provide general mechanical drafting and design support to lead designers engineering scientific and technical staff to conceptualize develop and complete detailed designs of hardware for spacecraft and other various mechanical applications that address requirements and constraints; translate these solutions into detailed layout fabrication and assembly drawings utilizing knowledge of CAD tools. Review and publish official released drawings for flight hardware procurements and assembly.
• Incorporate general knowledge of 3D CAD modeling of design concepts using SolidWorks CAD software
• Develop detailed fabrication specifications and documentation for all designs.
• Work independently on small projects and/or contribute to large team projects.
• Perform calculations to support technical work using standard engineering formulas; analyze cost effectiveness of design schedule and materials.
• Interact productively with vendors customers and others outside the work unit.
• Maintain documentation in a configuration management system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the 534.3 level

• Provide advanced mechanical design and drafting support where overall design parameters and specifications have been established.
• Contribute to preliminary design concepts for hardware componentry and systems including making independent judgment and decisions.
• Estimate scheduling and costs to determine effective methods in design materials and time to meet project deliverables and prepare and present technical material for design reviews procedures and other related documentation.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Associates degree in Mechanical Drafting; or relevant degree containing significant science mathematics and engineering coursework with related experience; or Certificate in Engineering Technology or Mechanical Drafting with related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of the standards procedures and techniques related to drafting including working knowledge of ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standard.
• Intermediate knowledge of developing moderately complex design concepts with a broad background in a wide variety of its various sub-disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to solve moderately complex technical problems.
• Intermediate understanding of design function fabrication processes and packaging of mechanical hardware/systems.
• Demonstrated ability to read and follow engineering notes sketches drawings specifications and procedures.
• Intermediate knowledge of SolidWorks CAD software.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Additional qualifications at the 534.3 level 

• Advanced knowledge of ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Standard and proficient use of SolidWorks CAD software.
• Advanced understanding of mechanical and electrical design principles and demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Advanced knowledge of engineering hardware design principles fabrication and installation processes.

Qualifications We Desire

• Applied experience with SolidWorks CAD software.
• Experience in reviewing and verifying the accuracy of work performed by peers and other engineering disciplines as needed.
• Experience using PTC Windchill PDMLink design software or other database management software.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 534.2 level

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 534.3 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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time