Senior Systems Project Engineer

Company Description

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.

$168,780 - $256,824 Annually
$168,780 - $214,032 Annually for the SES.
3 level
$202,500 - $256,824 Annually for the SES.
4 level
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 are seeking Senior Systems Project Engineers to lead innovative engineering projects in advanced laser systems, optomechanical systems, electromechanical systems, and high‑power technologies. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise to design, develop, and deploy cutting‑edge systems and components for scientific, defense, and industrial applications. You will work on projects that require diverse engineering expertise, including systems engineering, computational simulation, precision design, advanced manufacturing, prototype development, and rigorous testing.

This is an opportunity to work on impactful projects that push the boundaries of engineering and technology in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate and support the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team.

Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

• Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Lead and guide technical teams to define, develop, and deliver critical systems and components while ensuring alignment with project schedules and budgets.
• Develop solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Manage project schedules and budgets, and oversee execution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Train, mentor, and coach team members, assisting in fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Prepare, deliver, and explain written and verbal presentations of technical work to stakeholders, including providing advice to management.
• Maintain and ensure quality standards for all deliverables and leverage team skills to successfully complete complex projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Operate under consultative direction with substantial authority, using in-depth analysis and subject matter expertise in highly advanced concepts to resolve a range of highly complex problems, independently determine strategies, modify approaches, and pursue actions that impact organizational operations or directions and achieve long‑term goals.
• Utilize existing resources and partnerships to develop innovative capabilities and expand the impact of projects.
• Collaborate with sponsors customers and industry partners to address needs and drive project success as a SME.
• Establish project vision and strategy and influence technical direction to drive successful outcomes…