Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate - Target Diagnostics

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate. You will provide design, testing, assembly, process development, technical oversight, and documentation for the Target Diagnostics Engineering & Science (TDES) in the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. You will develop and implement advanced technical support in the design of experimental, research, and prototype equipment and components associated with mechanical systems.

This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

• Develop original solutions to complex technical problems, determining appropriate work methods and establishing priorities to meet programmatic requirements.
• Oversee personnel and provide advanced mechanical support and hands‑on operations through the measurement, design and/or assembly of complex components and systems based upon specifications from engineers and scientists.
• Provide design, evaluation, review, fabrication, oversight, testing, assembly, and documentation of various complex mechanical systems.
• Provide guidance to personnel in assigning tasks and prioritizing work.
• Conduct and/or participate in meetings where concepts are determined and translated into possible courses of action.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to technicians, making frequent decisions using independent discretion and judgment.
• Interface with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory to complete various LLNL design processes.
• Conduct and participate in design reviews, including providing solutions, gathering feedback, and documenting decisions and action items.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
• Extensive hands‑on experience building and testing complex precision and mechanical systems.
• Advanced knowledge in engineering design and CAD, metrology, fabrication and CNC machining, and assembly techniques.
• Experience of participating in engineering testing operations and analyzing results.
• Experience leading a technical team and managing work to a programmatic schedule.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and experience working independently as part of a multidisciplinary team in a schedule‑driven environment.
• Possess advanced written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members.

• Knowledge of materials, equipment, or technologies associated with high precision manufacturing and metrology.
• Experience and knowledge working in a clean room environment with precision cleaned components and equipment.
• Quality Assurance and/or Quality Check documentation skills used in an engineering environment.

$125,310 - $153,444 Annually

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

• Included in 2026 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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-values

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. Also, you must…