Predictive AI 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 - $178,392 Yearly at the SES.2 level

$168,780 - $214,032 Yearly at 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 a Predictive AI Software Engineer to contribute to the design, development, and support of NNSA’s Bernie AI project. Our team builds AI solutions to improve infrastructure management decision-making for complex facilities and assets. By developing predictive AI systems and integrating enterprise-wide data, we help organizations make smarter, data-driven decisions that optimize operations and planning. This position is in the Applications, Simulations and Quality Division within the Computing Directorate, matrixed to the Strategic Deterrence Principal Directorate.

This position will be filled at either the SES.2 or SES.3 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. 

This position offers a hybrid schedule. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

In this role you will  

• Develop and maintain AI agent workflow environments, including data pipeline implementation, agent performance monitoring, and evaluation using OpenAI tools.
• Implement prompt and context engineering for AI agents, including data orchestration, memory management, tool integration, and modular pipeline development.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to gather metadata, create system prompts, and develop few-shot prompting examples tailored to agent requirements.
• Design, develop, and maintain Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers to support Bernie AI’s interaction with external data sources and tools.
• Engage regularly with other developers to share knowledge, opinions, and recommendations.
• Apply computer science and software development expertise using modern programming languages, operating systems, and industry-standard practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 Level

• Manage multiple advanced tasks and prioritize customer and stakeholder needs, ensuring deadlines are met while leveraging team member skills.
• Routinely interact with colleagues, mid-level management, and sponsors, and participate in external meetings or collaborations.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship. 
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience. 
• Experience with large language model (LLM) engineering, including AI agent development, prompt design, performance monitoring, OpenAI API, and lifecycle management for retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems.
• Experience developing software with Python and relational databases (e.g., Oracle).
• Experience optimizing data processing workflows (chunking, indexing, ingestion, vectorization) for text and non-text data.
• Experience deploying software on Amazon Web Services (AWS) or via containerization (Docker).
• Familiarity with the software development lifecycle, version control, and issue tracking tools.
• Ability to manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities, approach problems with creativity, and shift focus when necessary.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration and presenting technical information.

Additional Qualifications at the SES.3 Level

• Ability to work effectively with minimal guidance, present and explain technical information, and advise management.
• Advanced knowledge of AI software architecture, lifecycle, and web application development.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with Anthropic, Microsoft Copilot, Azure, Amazon S3, and Kubernetes.
• Experience with AngularJS, Java (Spring/Play), REST API, and WebSocket.
• Experience fine-tuning AI models and developing scalable model serving solutions for production deployment.

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.

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.