Firing Systems Design and Testing 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.

$140,700- $214,032 Annually

$140,700 - $178,392 Annually for the SES.
2 level

$168,780- $214,032 Annually for the SES.
3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith 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 an opening for a Firing Systems Design and Testing Engineer in the Initiation Systems Group (ISG). ISG specializes in the design, development, and testing of advanced initiation systems for high‑explosive applications. Our team designs and tests precision detonators, firesets, and firing systems, leveraging pulsed power technologies to ensure safe, reliable, and high‑performance initiation of energetic materials. ISG plays a critical role in advancing national security through innovation in explosive initiation science and technology.

In this role you will provide highly advanced technical and administrative expertise and leadership for new and ongoing projects. You will oversee firing system assembly, design, research, and testing using advanced manufacturing and diagnostic techniques for scientific and defense applications. Travel in support of programmatic deliverables is required. This position is in Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) and supports the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Program.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in‑person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

This position 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.

• With minimal direction, take responsibility and apply comprehensive knowledge and judgement to:
  • Establish objectives,
  • Prioritize parallel tasks,
  • Allocate resources,
  • Collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Assist in maintaining and ensuring quality standards for deliverables, publications, and presentations.
• Support team members’ skills to successfully complete complex projects, by ensuring excellence in execution of technical work in the program.
• Utilize existing work, internal resources, and partnerships to develop innovative capabilities to increase the impact of LLNL and lead the development of project portfolios.
• Conduct formal and informal design reviews and team efforts and provide guidance and technical direction in developing moderately complex pulsed power systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Provide advanced knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues, using the broad application of technical concepts and techniques.
• Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs in support of on-going projects that require in-depth analysis and the creative use of established or innovative methods.
• Coordinate project interfaces and deployment interfacing with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory and represent the organization as the primary technical contact on tasks and projects.
• Lead and/or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary…