Mechanical Test Engineer

LLNL•Livermore, CA

10h•$121,830 - $185,544•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) is hiring Mechanical Test Engineers to support the Environmental & Mechanical Test Group. Under supervision, the engineer conducts experimental testing on projects involving environmental testing, modal analysis, health monitoring, aging studies, data acquisition, load testing, instrumentation, and measurement diagnostics. The work supports program areas including Strategic Deterrence, Global Security, and the National Ignition Facility. The role reports to a DTED Environmental & Mechanical Test Group Leader. The position may offer a hybrid schedule, with in-person and virtual work and the possibility of working from home one or more days per week, depending on assignment. Hiring may be at either the SES.1 or SES.2 level, based on knowledge and related experience. The SES.2 level includes additional independent engineering, project planning, and technical responsibilities. This is a career-indefinite position open to laboratory employees and external candidates.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Fundamental knowledge of testing practices and data processing.
Fundamental knowledge and/or experience in at least one of these areas: vibration and shock measurements; experimental modal and dynamic analysis; instrumentation such as accelerometers, strain gages, thermocouples, RTDs, capacitance gages, laser vibrometers, and pressure sensors; or data acquisition theory, including the Nyquist criterion and anti-aliasing.
Experience using MATLAB or other computer programming codes for data manipulation and analysis.
Fundamental knowledge of engineering hardware design and fabrication.
Effective verbal and written communication skills to present technical concepts clearly and collaborate with technical staff.
At SES.2, comprehensive knowledge of measurement sensors and understanding of which sensors are appropriate for specific applications.
At SES.2, ability to use independent judgment in determining methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
At SES.2, comprehensive verbal and written communication skills to collaborate in a team and present and explain technical information.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct tests on mechanical and/or diagnostic systems, analyze results, and author reports.
Conduct experimental modal analyses and analyze results in concert with modeling and simulation.
Operate test equipment, including shaker systems, shock machines, and thermal chambers, applying test and measurement practices.
Prepare supporting safety and engineering documentation and participate in formal engineering design reviews.
Perform supporting engineering calculations for structural, thermal, and diagnostic systems.
Participate in detailed design, component fabrication, and unit assembly.
Address problems of limited complexity by evaluating identifiable factors using standard techniques and methodologies.
Work as a member of a project team in a dynamic environment.
Coordinate with internal and external peers to plan and execute testing.
Perform other duties as assigned.
At SES.2, independently define engineering requirements for structural, thermal, fluidic, and diagnostic systems within assigned project scope.
At SES.2, develop detailed plans, schedules, and budgets for project activities.
At SES.2, perform independent technical tasks and projects, support research efforts, and select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria based on analysis of multiple largely identifiable factors.