Mechanical Engineer

LLNL•Livermore, CA

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring a Mechanical Engineer to develop moderate to complex inspection tools, process aids, and performance test equipment related to initiation systems, materials characterization, and high-speed diagnostics. The role supports data acquisition for LLNL stockpile assessments as part of an interdisciplinary team in the Detonator Surveillance and Enhanced Assessments Group (DSEAG), within the Environmental Test & Explosive Components section of the Defense Technologies Engineering Division. The position requires on-site work, with limited flexibility to work from home, and may be filled at either the SES.2 or SES.3 level based on knowledge and experience. At the core level, the engineer conducts mechanical engineering activities and contributes to processes and diagnostics for assessing initiation-system components. The role includes providing project leadership, coordinating tasks and resources, solving technical problems, collaborating on equipment design and qualification, working with energetic materials after obtaining LLNL explosives-handler certification, and communicating analyses and progress through written reports and verbal briefings. The engineer also participates in design reviews and provides technical direction for new processes and capabilities. At the SES.3 level, the engineer additionally resolves technical and programmatic issues using advanced technical knowledge, develops conceptual and detailed designs requiring in-depth analysis, coordinates project interfaces and process deployment across organizations, and serves as a primary technical contact. The role also involves leading or guiding multidisciplinary project teams.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for this clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
For SES.2: Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience, or a master’s degree and 2 years of experience, in mechanical hardware design, automated systems design, or process development.
Broad knowledge in one or more of engineering design, engineering drawings, geometric tolerancing and dimensioning, machining processes, mechanical fabrication, materials properties, and manufacturing methods.
Ability to obtain LLNL certification as an explosives handler through training.
Ability to work independently toward technical objectives and meet schedules and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects with varying priorities.
Ability to work in a collaborative research and development environment.
Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental data.
Verbal and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills to work with multidisciplinary experimental teams and effectively meet conflicting and rigorous deadlines.
At SES.3: Bachelor’s degree and 6 years, or a master’s degree and 4 years, of experience with engineering hardware design, fabrication, and/or testing processes, and ability to meet schedules and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
At SES.3: Ability to lead, manage, and mentor junior team members.
At SES.3: Advanced communication skills and demonstrated ability to present concepts clearly in writing and verbally, interact with technical staff, and advise management.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Experience in project management.
Significant experience in accredited process environments.
Experience qualifying production processes.

Responsibilities

Conduct moderately complex to complex mechanical engineering activities and contribute to processes and diagnostics for assessing initiation-system components.
Provide project leadership by establishing objectives, prioritizing parallel tasks, allocating resources, supporting milestones, and solving problems using appropriate techniques and methodologies.
Collaborate with team members to design, implement, and qualify equipment.
Work with energetic materials and obtain LLNL certification to handle explosives.
Present written analyses and verbal briefings communicating results, and provide periodic progress reports.
Conduct formal and informal design reviews and provide guidance or technical direction in developing processes and capabilities.
At SES.3: Resolve technical and programmatic issues using broad application of technical concepts and techniques.
At SES.3: Produce conceptual and detailed designs requiring in-depth analysis and established or innovative methods.
At SES.3: Coordinate project interfaces and process deployment with internal and external organizations, and represent the organization as primary technical contact on tasks and projects.
At SES.3: Lead or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams.
Perform other duties as assigned.