Automation Engineer

Reference #: REF
8529Z
Job Code: SES.
2 Science & Engineering MTS 2
Organization: Engineering
Position Type: Career Indefinite
Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable

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 are seeking an Automation Engineer to assist in the development and delivery of complex automation and robotics projects supporting LLNL’s programmatic and scientific missions. You will assist engineering staff and management by contributing to a multidisciplinary and dynamic portfolio of engineering and research. You will bring hands‑on experience programming robotics and PLCs, supporting the commissioning of safety‑compliant systems, and designing and building physical systems, including electrical panels, robotic cells, complex electromechanical systems, and safety systems.

This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) of the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Work independently, under general direction, to design, build, commission, and troubleshoot automation, robotics, and mechatronics projects using standard techniques and fundamental knowledge, while adhering to defined practices and procedures.
• Leverage industry‑proven industrial automation technologies, including but not limited to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human‑machine interfaces (HMIs), machine vision systems, sensors, actuators, and various robot systems.
• Organize, analyze, and present data from research, including documenting methods, assumptions, results, and insights in reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with other internal and external groups at LLNL, and in some cases, at other institutions.
• Conduct research and analysis to address well‑defined problems.
• Work with vendors and internal teams to support safe and compliant project execution.
• 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 engineering, software engineering, mechatronics, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related technical experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of industry experience deploying automation systems in manufacturing or a related industry.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams to build, install, or troubleshoot automation equipment.
• Comprehensive experience programming industrial‑grade PLCs, such as Allen‑Bradley and Beckhoff systems, and industrial‑grade robotic arms, such as KUKA, FANUC, and Universal Robots.
• Experience designing and implementing electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with CAD and other design software packages.
• Experience building industrial closed‑loop control systems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, customer service, and timely project delivery.
• Experience managing and maintaining laboratory resources and equipment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, software engineering, mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• Experience designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Safety Interlock Systems (SIS).
• Knowledge of safety standards, including ISO and ANSI, and LLNL institutional design safety…