Nuclear Systems Reliability 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 diverse 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 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 multiple openings for Nuclear Systems Reliability Engineers to apply advanced technical knowledge in support of ongoing projects in the Superblock, a DOE Hazard Category 2 nuclear facility. You will often be involved in supporting significant R&D projects, utilizing your knowledge and experience to assist in creating innovative solutions. You will additionally apply mechanical engineering skills and judgement to maintain moderate to complex mechanical systems and programmatic equipment. These positions are in Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED), within the Engineering Directorate.

These positions 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.

These positions require full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Collaborate with team members to support and contribute to the analysis and testing of programmatic and nuclear facility equipment, including equipment vibration assessment, thermography, equipment operational data trending, deriving post-maintenance testing plans, writing testing procedures, and performing safety calculations.
• Provide support and contribute to significant R&D projects, while also applying comprehensive engineering knowledge and experience to assist in creating mechanical solutions that are safe and compliant with DOE orders and specifications.
• Work in conjunction with team members to provide engineering technical support for the troubleshooting, repair, modification, and operation of mechanical systems and programmatic equipment.
• Contribute to and participate in the development of a predictive reliability program with the goal of ensuring operational readiness and minimizing downtime for critical systems, which include scientific tools & diagnostics, containment ventilation, cryogenic liquids, compressed gases, gloveboxes, and fire suppression systems.
• Perform independent technical tasks and apply comprehensive engineering experience, knowledge, and judgment to successfully resolve a diverse range of moderately complex mechanical system problems and issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan that encompasses all facility and programmatic equipment within the Superblock.
• Participate in the implementation of a reliability-centered maintenance approach to maintenance activities to determine the optimal maintenance activity for each system and contribute to recommendations on system health and improvement through predictive maintenance.
• Prepare detailed condition assessment reports for engineering and facility management on overall system health and develop performance metrics for moderately complex condition-based and/or predictive maintenance.
• Perform Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Inspectability (RAMI) analysis, which is an engineering framework to assess and improve the overall performance and effectiveness of complex systems throughout their design and operational phases.
• Communicate and interface frequently with assigned engineers to ensure compliance with programmatic requirements.
• Select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to obtain results based on analysis of multiple, largely identifiable factors.Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Lead and/or provide technical guidance and direction in the development of project reliability plans for significant R&D projects, while also applying advanced level engineering knowledge, significant technical experience, and innovation to create mechanical solutions and resolve complex problems, while ensuring safety and compliance with DOE orders and specifications.
• Utilize Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), a strategic approach to maintenance that identifies and analyzes potential equipment failures to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective maintenance strategy for each specific asset.
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive, predictive maintenance plan that encompasses all equipment within the Superblock, and also includes a comprehensive master equipment list of facility and programmatic assets across multiple sites.
• Lead the development and implementation of key performance metrics in equipment operability, maintainability, and reliability.
• Lead corrective actions in response to off-normal events within the scope of equipment maintenance and repair.
• Evaluate and exert influence on the development, methods, resource needs, priorities, progress, and completion of project and organizational goals, providing recommendations and advice to project leadership as necessary.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, or related technical discipline or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude as evidenced by past engineering or moderately complex repair projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and previous experience and proficiency in developing or reviewing calculations, specifications, drawings, and sketches, and determining design criteria for mechanical systems, modifications, renovations, and upgrades on engineering projects.
• Experience and familiarity with scientific instruments, including high-vacuum systems, high-temperature systems, X-ray generating devices, laser systems, calorimeters, mechanical testers, fabrication equipment, etc., and a fundamental understanding of how these instruments function.
• Proficient ability to identify, develop and effectively communicate recommendations to facility, program, and senior management regarding equipment maintenance, including proven ability to successfully implement recommendations.
• Experience working in a highly configuration managed environment.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Independent thinking and demonstrated ability to understand advanced level technical documentation needed for solving complex problems.
• Significant experience and advanced knowledge in the design or maintenance of facility-related mechanical systems and components such as ventilation systems and associated controls, fire protection systems, liquid nitrogen or argon systems, chilled water systems, or boiler systems.
• Advanced leadership skills and significant experience directing, supervising, and providing guidance and mentoring to small teams performing work in a highly regulated technical environment.
• Significant experience successfully managing, overseeing, and delivering multiple projects on budget and on schedule.
• Demonstrated ability and flexibility in reprioritizing and changing programmatic direction depending on emergent requests.
• Advanced verbal and written communication, facilitation, and negotiation,  skills necessary to effectively interact and collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical or operational information, and mediate, compromise, and provide advice to management, reviewers, and stakeholders.

Qualifications We Desire

• Active security clearance.
• Experience performing maintenance on scientific instruments, including high-vacuum systems, high-temperature systems, X-ray generating devices, laser systems, calorimeters, mechanical testers, fabrication equipment, etc., and a fundamental understanding of how these instruments function.
• Substantial experience and expertise in facility engineering and nuclear industry code compliance.
• Qualification as a Cognizant System Engineer in a nuclear facility.
• Familiarity with Nuclear Materials Control & Accountability principles, Radioactive & Hazardous Waste Management practices, and Nuclear Facility Quality Assurance and procurement practices.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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.