Mechanical Test Engineer

Mechanical Test Engineer

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.

Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) has multiple openings for Mechanical Test Engineers to support the Environmental & Mechanical Test Group. Under minimal supervision, will conduct experimental testing on a variety of projects related to environmental testing, modal analysis, health monitoring, aging studies, data acquisition, load testing, general instrumentation and measurement diagnostics. Work supports multiple program areas, including Strategic Deterrence, Global Security, and the National Ignition Facility.

This position will report to a DTED Environmental & Mechanical Test Group Leader.

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.

You will:

• Design and conduct tests on mechanical and/or diagnostic systems, analyze results, and author reports.
• Operate test equipment (shaker systems, shock machines, thermal chambers, etc.) using comprehensive knowledge of best test and measurement practices.
• Assist in defining engineering requirements for structural, thermal, fluidic, and diagnostic systems and perform supporting engineering calculations.
• Generate detailed plans, schedules, and budgets for project activities.
• Prepare supporting safety and engineering documentation and participate in formal engineering design reviews.
• Perform independent technical tasks and projects and support research efforts and select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results based on analysis of multiple, largely identifiable factors.
• Provide solutions to a diverse range of moderate to complex issues/problems that require analysis and creative use of established techniques and methods.
• Work as a member of a project team in a dynamic environment.
• Interface with other organizations both internal and external to the Laboratory to plan and execute testing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.
3 level:

• Conduct technical tasks and/or set specific technical strategy and direction for self and/or others.
• Provide technical oversight on projects utilizing advanced knowledge of testing practices.
• Work with advanced technical knowledge on a multi‐disciplinary team.
• Represent the organization as the primary technical contact on tasks and projects.
• Monitor or direct activities of technical staff as lead of a technical project.
• Serve on internal technical/advisory committees and may serve on external committees.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Comprehensive knowledge of testing practices and data processing.
• Comprehensive knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: vibration and shock measurements, experimental modal and dynamic analysis, general instrumentation (i.e. accelerometers, strain gages, thermo-couples, resistance temperature detectors (RTD's), capacitance gages, laser vibrometers, pressure sensors, etc.), general data acquisition theory (Nyquist criterion, anti-aliasing, etc.).
• Experience using Mat Lab or other computer programming codes for data manipulation and analysis.
• Fundamental knowledge of engineering hardware design and fabrication.
• Comprehensive knowledge of measurement sensors and an understanding of when to use specific sensors for certain applications.
• Ability to use independent judgment in determining methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
• Comprehensive verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.
3 level:

• Advanced knowledge of measurement sensors and an understanding of when to use specific sensors for certain applications
• Ability to use independent judgment in determining methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical…