Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate - Directed Energy Technologies

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.

We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate. You will provide advanced technical support for the Directed Energy Technologies (DET) program and, as needed, broader NIF / Photon Science projects. You will support the design of experimental, research, and prototype equipment and components for mechanical systems and facility operations. Responsibilities include precision assembly of hardware and facility systems, component-level metrology, complex survey support, and ownership of facility operations and maintenance. This position includes hands-on technical work involving complex mechanical systems, prototype equipment, testing operations, and facility readiness. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

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

You will

• Develop original solutions to complex technical problems, determining appropriate work methods and establishing priorities to meet programmatic requirements.
• Provide innovative technical expertise for the design, assembly, integration, testing, qualification, troubleshooting, documentation, component-level metrology, and detailed survey of experimental, research, and prototype equipment and components for complex mechanical systems, based on specifications from engineers and scientists.
• Lead facility operation and maintenance activities, including ownership of maintenance schedules and development and execution of maintenance procedures, to ensure reliable performance and sustained operational readiness.
• Provide innovative technical expertise for experimental and research activities through the application of industrial metrology principles, including establishing complex 3D coordinate systems, interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T requirements, using specialized metrology software for feature fitting, statistical analysis, and virtual assembly, and evaluating deviation data against design models.
• Provide design, evaluation, review, fabrication, testing, assembly, maintenance, and documentation of complex mechanical systems and associated support equipment.
• Conduct and participate in meetings and design reviews, including providing solutions, gathering feedback, documenting decisions and action items, and interfacing with other organizations internal to the Laboratory.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to technologists as needed, making frequent decisions using independent discretion and judgment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical technology, mechanical engineering technology, industrial technology, manufacturing technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
• Experience providing advanced hands-on technical support for complex mechanical systems, prototype systems, and research equipment, including developing and refining test plans, troubleshooting methods, maintenance strategies, and operational plans.
• Advanced knowledge in assembly techniques, mechanical system troubleshooting, testing operations, technical documentation, and maintenance of complex systems.
• Experience participating in engineering testing operations and analyzing results.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and experience working independently as part of a multidisciplinary team in a schedule-driven environment.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of materials, equipment, or technologies associated with precision mechanical systems, facility and maintenance support, and metrology.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn the use and application of FARO Arm and Laser tracker, and the associated software
• Experience supporting research, engineering, and facility management activities in a VTR for Directed Energy Technologies (DET) program.
• Experience and knowledge working in a clean room environment with precision cleaned components and equipment.
• Quality Assurance and/or Quality Check documentation skills used in an engineering environment.
• Familiarity with CAD, engineering drawings, and configuration-controlled documentation.

Pay Range

$125,310 - $153,444 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 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.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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.

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