Software Engineer

LLNL•Livermore, CA

4d•$146,340 - $222,564•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring a Software Engineer to design, build, and operate secure applications and platforms that help scientists and engineers manage and analyze mission-critical data. The role owns software across its lifecycle, from architecture and implementation through testing, deployment, and operations, while modernizing existing systems and creating reusable capabilities for multiple LLNL programs. Work spans Python services and REST APIs, modern web interfaces, containerized deployments, scientific visualization, databases, and CI/CD automation. The engineer partners with scientists, data engineers, and application teams to turn complex workflows into reliable, maintainable software and contributes to shared tools, standards, and integration approaches. The position supports Strategic Deterrence application and data management programs in the Applications, Simulations, and Quality Division within the Computing Directorate. Because some work occurs in secure environments, on-site presence is required approximately three to four days per week. A hybrid schedule may be available after a probationary period, subject to team and organizational needs. The position may be filled at either SES.2 or SES.3, depending on the candidate’s knowledge and related experience; additional responsibilities and qualifications apply at SES.3. At SES.3, the engineer independently leads architecture and delivery of complex systems across applications, environments, or stakeholder organizations; sets technical direction; provides technical leadership or mentorship; and advises management, customers, and senior technical personnel on software strategy, system design, implementation, and operational risk. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. It is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for the clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Broad experience delivering maintainable software using Python, Java, TypeScript, or another modern programming language.
Broad experience in several of the following: web services and REST APIs, frontend development, databases, containerization, CI/CD, automated testing, scientific visualization, or production operations.
Comprehensive experience using Git or an equivalent version control system and participating in collaborative code review.
Proficient experience applying software design, testing, documentation, and maintainability practices to production code.
Broad experience translating scientific, engineering, or business workflows into software requirements and technical solutions.
Proficient written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate with technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
Constructive technical judgment, including ability to surface risks, challenge assumptions, evaluate alternatives, and build alignment.
At SES.3, advanced experience independently designing and delivering complex software systems from architecture through deployment and operations.
At SES.3, advanced experience providing technical direction, mentoring other engineers, and influencing architectural or process decisions across projects.
At SES.3, advanced experience collaborating with management, customers, or senior technical personnel to recommend and implement systems, services, or process improvements.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Python web frameworks such as FastAPI or Flask, modern frontend frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue, and container platforms such as Docker, Kubernetes, or OpenShift.
Experience building reusable software packages, libraries, APIs, or platform capabilities for scientific or engineering users.
Familiarity with data engineering, data governance, semantic technologies, or AI/LLM-enabled applications.
Experience working in a national laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, national security, or other regulated research environment.

Responsibilities

Design, build, test, deploy, and maintain secure software applications and services supporting scientific and engineering workflows.
Own features and technical improvements across the software lifecycle, from requirements and architecture through implementation, documentation, release, and operational support.
Design and implement well-documented REST APIs, including data modeling, authentication, authorization, versioning, and error handling.
Develop usable web interfaces and scientific visualization capabilities using modern frameworks and libraries.
Build, deploy, and troubleshoot containerized applications; contribute to CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, observability, and deployment automation.
Partner with scientists, data engineers, and application teams to understand workflows and translate them into maintainable software.
Participate in design discussions and code reviews as both an author and reviewer, providing and receiving constructive technical feedback.
Evaluate architectural and technology tradeoffs, including custom software, reusable libraries, commercial products, and platform services.
Contribute reusable components, engineering standards, and integration patterns for multiple projects and teams.
Communicate technical concepts, risks, tradeoffs, and progress to technical teammates and nontechnical stakeholders.
Work with senior engineers and stakeholders to prioritize work, make informed tradeoffs, and deliver high-value capabilities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
At SES.3, independently lead the architecture and delivery of complex software systems across multiple applications, environments, or stakeholder organizations.
At SES.3, set technical direction, evaluate significant architectural tradeoffs, and provide technical leadership or mentorship across projects.
At SES.3, advise management, customers, and senior technical personnel on software strategy, system design, implementation approaches, and operational risk.