Controls Engineer/Embedded Systems Software Engineer

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.

Pay Range

$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 we in good faith believe 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 an Electrical Engineer/Embedded Systems Software Engineer to help write embedded programs and/or develop, design, and implement circuits for a wide range of research and development projects in the areas of instrumentation, accelerators, networked sensor, and space-based systems for national security missions. Technical responsibilities primarily include embedded programming, with the possibility of back-end drivers, simulation, control applications and/or high-power systems. Execution involves working in a team environment to produce system specifications, design documentation, simulated system performance, test plans, tested hardware and software, and design reviews. You will work within National Security Engineering Division (NSED) providing solutions to the challenges facing our nation in national defense, homeland security, energy and environment, and fundamental physics. This position is in NSED within the Engineering Directorate.

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

• Collaborate with team members to support and contribute to automated test test scripts and systems.
• Provide solutions on algorithms for moderately complex physics problems.
• Contribute to writing code to analyze data from moderately complex experiments.
• Contribute to testing, troubleshooting, analyzing, and qualifying systems, software, and firmware
• Participate in all aspects of the software development lifecycle to assist in the development and to enhance and maintain applications while working under limited direction.
• Participate in the development of software application layers to the embedded processor using Agile software principles.
• Contribute to the development of device drivers and moderately complex applications to speak to commercial off the shelf (COTS) or custom hardware.
• Prepare safety and engineering documentation and participate in engineering design reviews.
• Participate in engineering testing operations, analyzing results, and writing reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Provide solutions and guidance to the testing of complex prototypes and associated diagnostics utilizing advanced level knowledge of conceptual designs of systems.
• Collaborate with team members to solve complex problems that require in-depth analysis and the creative and innovative use of established techniques and methods. 
• Coordinate various LLNL project interfaces and implementation by interacting with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory and by representing the organization as the primary technical contract on tasks and projects.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and previous experience and proficiency with one or more of the following programming tools: C, Python, MATLAB, or C++.
• Working knowledge of and proficiency and experience with Linux operating system.
• Comprehensive knowledge of technical computing (e.g., simulation development, signal and image processing) using platforms such as MATLAB or Python.
• Broad experience with modern application development using languages such as C++ or C.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate and interact with other technical staff members in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to present and explain technical information, concepts, and ideas in a clear and coherent manner.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced knowledge and significant experience reading and interpreting  complex mechanical, optical, and electrical specifications using drawings, datasheets, and procedure manuals.
• Significant experience in conducting complex experiments of electrical configuration and settings, and the advanced application of timing and data acquisition systems.
• Significant experience translating customer requirements into control systems hardware and software specifications.
• Demonstrated ability and flexibility in reprioritizing and changing programmatic direction depending on emergent requests. 

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field.
• Experience with large parallel computer systems.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 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://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

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 applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.