Mechanical Engineer - Academic Graduate Appointee

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

$84,420 - $109,200 Annually

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 a Mechanical Engineer - Academic Graduate Appointee. You will work under the guidance of staff members to execute on experiments and activities in the areas of mechanical design, manufacturing, test process development, and structural analysis to support LLNL’s ASD Scorpius program (Advanced Sources and Detectors Scorpius project). This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED), within the Engineering Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Work under general guidance of staff mechanical engineers, in areas such as mechanical design, manufacturing, test process development, and structural analysis.
•  Contribute to solutions for  technical problems involving the process and utilization of materials by reviewing scientific and technical literature and experimental techniques.
• Gather, analyze, and present results, including methods developed, and remain current on materials and manufacturing processes and development characterization methods.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to accomplish research goals.
• Contribute to scientific publications and patent applications.
• 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 or related technical field.
• Experience in Mechanical Engineering demonstrated by coursework, training, and/or work experience.
• Experience with Solidworks, Creo or other CAD software packages.
• Experience in machining, metal fabrication and machine shop practices.
• Basic experience with finite element analysis (structural, thermal, electrostatic).
• Experience conducting experiments related to the processing and characterization of materials.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, document analyses and prepare, present and explain technical information and publications.
• Effective interpersonal skills, creativity, and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with pulsed power systems utilized with accelerators.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

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.