Mechanical Technologist/Sr. Mechanical Technologist - Nuclear Materials Engineering

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have multiple openings for Mechanical Technologists/Sr. Mechanical Technologists to support the various operations of new and on-going experiments involving engineering evaluation, fabrication, assembly, and documentation for various programs. These operations and experiments may involve working with radioactive/fissile materials. The scope of the work may include programmatic support of experiments. You will work under general supervision in a team environment in support of physics experiments, and Mechanical Engineering evaluation. In addition, you will contribute to the team by providing operations, maintenance, design, fabrication, assembly support, and documentation. Work may involve Beryllium, radioactive/fissile materials, other hazardous materials, and classified parts and documents. These positions will be in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED), within the Engineering Directorate.

These positions require a full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

These positions 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.

In this role you will

• Provide general technical support to engineering, scientific, and technical staff to plan and conduct experiments at LLNL and other off-site locations.
• Design, fabricate, assemble, and disassemble moderately complex mechanical components and systems, using work control process and procedure requirements.
• Operate mechanical diagnostic equipment, maintain area controls, assist with mechanical diagnostic calibration and alignment, test prior to experiment execution, and perform data recovery after experiment execution.
• Apply knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes in solving mechanical problems.
• Maintain systems documentation and experimental records.
• Perform facility related and technical functions such as maintenance, testing, upgrades to equipment control, and interlock systems checks.    
• Responsible for ensuring that support and experimental areas are kept clean, uncluttered, and in a state of readiness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 533.3 level

• Provide advanced technical assembly and disassembly support of complex systems.
• Participate in project, facility, and experimental design reviews, providing input to the assembly task.
• Design, fabricate, assemble, and disassemble complex mechanical components and systems including planning and selecting materials, equipment, and methods.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with mechanical diagnostic equipment, maintaining area controls, assisting with mechanical diagnostic calibration and alignment, testing prior to experiment execution, and performing data recovery after experiment execution.
• Ability to read and follow engineering notes, sketches, and drawings.
• Experience in mechanical fabrication and assembly. Knowledge of engineering hardware design and testing processes.
• Experience in general machining processes with the ability to operate hand/power tools.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs in a safe and controlled manner.
• Ability to become medically qualified to wear respiratory and other protective equipment and perform moderate work effort while wearing respirators.

Additional qualifications at the 533.3 level

• High level technical skills and knowledge of engineering principles to solve complex problems using established guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
• Ability to read and follow complex assembly procedures, engineering notes, sketches, and engineering drawings.
• Extensive experience working on a technical project team and providing technical direction to others.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 533.2 level
$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 533.3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s 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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security 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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.