Mechanical Engineer – Pulsed Power Systems

LLNL•Livermore, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineer to support the Advanced Sources and Detectors (ASD) Scorpius program, a first-of-a-kind linear accelerator advancing national security science. ASD Scorpius is being executed on behalf of the Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) through a multi-institution collaboration involving Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). You will contribute to the design, development, and assembly of mechanical systems supporting high-energy pulsed power and accelerator technologies. This includes supporting the development and integration of solid-state pulsed power (SSPP) subsystems, as well as high-voltage infrastructure and diagnostic systems critical to accelerator performance. You will perform hands-on engineering across the full lifecycle—from concept development and detailed design through fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across institutions to develop robust hardware solutions and support system integration efforts, contributing to the successful delivery of a complex, first-of-its-kind national security capability. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED), within 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 responsibilities will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
Fundamental knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, including design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) for part and assembly design.
Fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience with mechanical fabrication, assembly, or laboratory/test environments.
Familiarity with basic engineering analysis methods (e.g., FEA, structural or thermal analysis).
Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and document technical work.
Ability to work under general direction and follow established engineering processes and procedures.
Demonstrated ability to apply broad mechanical engineering principles to solve moderately complex technical problems.
Comprehensive experience independently executing design, fabrication, or integration tasks in a laboratory, manufacturing, or R&D environment.
Experience contributing to system-level integration, testing, or troubleshooting of engineering hardware.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria within defined objectives.

Nice To Haves

Experience with pulsed power systems, high-voltage hardware, or accelerator technologies.
Experience designing or supporting oil-filled systems, high-voltage insulation, or dielectric materials.
Familiarity with cable design, routing, or high-voltage interconnect systems.
Experience with machine shop tools, fabrication techniques, or fixture/jig design.
Exposure to multidisciplinary R&D environments involving rapid prototyping and testing.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and support fabrication of mechanical components and assemblies for pulsed power and linear accelerator systems.
Support assembly and integration of high-voltage subsystems, including cable routing, structural supports, and diagnostic hardware.
Develop and refine mechanical designs for oil-filled systems, manifolds, and insulating structures used in high-voltage environments.
Conduct basic engineering analyses (e.g., structural, thermal, or FEA) to inform design decisions and improve system reliability.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems with electrical, diagnostic, and control subsystems.
Support testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of hardware, including participation in experimental setup and data collection.
Document designs, procedures, and test results; communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
Follow safety, quality, and operational procedures in a highly regulated environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Independently develop and implement moderately complex mechanical designs for pulsed power and accelerator subsystems.
Lead discrete tasks or small projects, including planning, execution, and coordination with cross-functional teams.
Apply engineering judgment to evaluate design trade-offs and recommend improvements to system performance and manufacturability.
Contribute to development of new design approaches, tooling, or processes that enhance efficiency, reliability, or throughput.
Provide informal mentoring or technical guidance to junior staff, interns, or technicians.