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. Work on projects requiring systems engineering, computational simulation, precision design, advanced manufacturing, prototype development, and rigorous testing in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations Division, supporting the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Directorate.

• Function independently with minimal direction, using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate to develop innovative methods and technology.
• Lead and guide technical teams to define, develop, and deliver critical systems and components while maintaining alignment with schedules and budgets.
• Develop solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Manage project schedules and budgets, overseeing execution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Train, mentor, and coach team members, fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Prepare, deliver, and explain technical work to stakeholders, providing advice to management.
• Maintain and ensure quality standards for all deliverables, leveraging team skills to complete complex projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Operate under consultative direction with substantial authority, using in‑depth analysis and subject‑matter expertise to resolve highly complex problems independently.
• Utilize existing resources and partnerships to develop innovative capabilities and expand project impact.
• Collaborate with sponsors, customers, and industry partners to address needs and drive project success as an SME.
• Establish project vision and strategy, influencing technical direction to drive successful outcomes.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience in an engineering discipline with project planning and technical leadership.
• Experience developing and implementing solutions to complex technical problems, applying best practices, theories, and techniques.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills for collaboration and presentation to management.
• Experience coordinating activities with all levels of technical staff, managers, stakeholders, and vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage small and multidisciplinary teams.

• Significant and expert…