Senior Mechanical Engineer - Clearance Required

Company Description

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) turns bold ideas into world-changing impact, advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

We have multiple openings for Senior Mechanical Engineers to participate in new and ongoing projects, providing nuclear weapon engineering design expertise, systems engineering, experimental device design, fabrication and assembly, surveillance of nuclear stockpile components, engineering analysis and computational simulation, and engineering testing for evaluation and maintenance of the enduring and future nuclear weapon stockpile. Engineers interface with colleagues at other National Laboratories and Production Agencies, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Department of Defense (DoD), and contractors.

These positions are in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED), within the Engineering Directorate, supporting Strategic Deterrence Programs.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule with flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

Positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience. Additional responsibilities are assigned if hired at the higher level.

• Provide technical expertise in mechanical and electromechanical design.
• Conduct research in structural, thermal, hydraulic, or dynamics modeling of mechanical systems.
• Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs in support of on-going projects.
• Prepare supporting health and safety documentation aligned with ISM requirements and participate in design and Management Prestart Reviews.
• Coordinate project interfaces and deployment interfacing with internal and external organizations.
• Lead and/or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Set broad project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for self and others.
• Provide expert capability in highly complex mechanical design and analysis.

• Active DOE Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance at time of hire.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical design.
• Significant experience in prototype development and testing, hardware design and analysis.
• Ability to devise solutions for unique and complex problems.
• Ability and flexibility to reprioritize and adjust programmatic direction for emergent requests.
• Significant experience in managing, overseeing, and delivering multiple projects on budget and schedule.
• Ability to lead, manage, and mentor junior team members.
• Advanced communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas clearly, both verbal and written, for presentation and interaction with other technical staff.

• Expertise in highly complex mechanical design and analysis and significant experience in project planning and highly complex technical leadership.
• Significant experience developing and implementing creative solutions to a diverse range of highly complex problems and leading corrective actions where necessary.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to present, explain and advise senior management and/or external sponsors, with a proven record of team building and conflict resolution.

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles and practices and their application.

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for SES.
3 Level
$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for SES.
4 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.

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 an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law…