Mechanical Engineering Design Associate for NIF&PS Programs

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range:

$120,510 - $147,564 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. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  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.

We have multiple openings for a Mechanical Engineering Design Associate for creative individuals with demonstrated mechanical engineering design expertise and experience to work independently, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and other technical personnel to provide mechanical engineering design support for the National Ignition Facility.  Successful candidates will develop and analyze designs of complex mechanical systems, conducting research when needed to find solutions to challenging engineering problems. Depending on a candidate’s experience and qualifications, the successful candidates will also provide design leadership and management, planning and leading multiple complex projects.  This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

In this role you will

• Independently analyze complicated design problems and develop complex design solutions that satisfy all design requirements and constraints.
• Translate design solutions into detailed layouts and assemblies directed or developed by you using advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD).
• Develop supporting documentation for design solutions that may include analysis, schedules, costing, safety notes, and procedures.
• Capture design solutions using Creo Parametric through updated model-based definition solutions
• Maintain documentation in the Windchill/ELM (Enterprise Lifecycle Management) Configuration Management (CM) system.
• Estimate scheduling and costs to determine effective methods in design, materials, and time to meet project deliverables and prepare and present technical material for design reviews, procedures, and other related documentation.
• Provide technical mentorship to fellow LSEO designers and lead workforce needs including scheduling, job scope determination, training, and directing work assignments.
• Participate in formal design review process.
• Author, review, and approve reports, manuals, and other engineering documentation.
• Present designs and reports to superiors and subordinates.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering/Technology or related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant applied experience with Creo Parametric and Windchill.
• Advanced knowledge in Computer Aided Design/Product Lifecycle management (CAD/PLM) or equivalent CM system.
• Demonstrated expertise in the standards, procedures, and techniques related to drafting, including knowledge of the ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Standard.
• Advanced knowledge and experience analyzing and interpreting complex design requirements and the demonstrated ability to use creativity, independent discretion, and judgment to provide original solutions to design problems, as well as make technical decisions that may have significant consequences to broad segments and/or sections of a major project, using advanced CAD knowledge.
• Significant knowledge of hardware design, facility utilities, project walk downs, fabrication, assembly techniques, selecting materials, testing processes, and manufacturing methods.
• Ability to read and follow complex engineering notes, sketches, drawings specifications, and procedures, including demonstrated use of standard sizing engineering calculations to support technical conceptual designs.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate both individual activities, and those of others, with multiple components requiring attention to detail, accuracy, and independent follow-through.
• Demonstrated advanced written and verbal communication skills and strong presentation skills.

Qualifications We Desire

• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Experience developing staffing plans, performance reviews, promotional recommendations, and disciplinary actions.
• Experience with project management methods and tools.
• Demonstrated use of CAD supported Finite Element Analysis (FEA) engineering calculations to support technical conceptual designs.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

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

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.