Data Engineer

We have an opening for a Data Engineer to architect and modernize the data lifecycle for Strategic Deterrence (SD). In this role, you will move beyond legacy tooling to build robust, automated data pipelines that capture, characterize, and democratize critical test data. By championing DataOps principles and modern software practices, you will enable seamless data sharing and real-time decision-making within LLNL and across the NNSA complex. This position is in the Applications, Simulations, and Quality (ASQ) Division within the Computing Directorate, supporting the SD Applications Data Lifecycle Management (DLM) Team.

This position will be filled at the SES.1 or SES.2 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.

In this role you will

• Design and implement data pipelines using both scripting and modern orchestration tools to process unstructured test data from diverse sources.
• Champion DataOps and Software Engineering best practices by implementing version control (Git), CI/CD workflows, containerization, and automated testing to ensure software and pipeline reliability and reproducibility.
• Develop interactive dashboards to democratize data access for scientists and engineers, working with subject matter experts (SMEs) to define programmatic data needs.
• Translate scientific requirements into technical specifications for APIs, pipelines, and visualization tools, acting as a bridge between SMEs and the software team.
• Collaborate with customers to define schemas/ontologies for their data, utilizing tools for data quality validation to ensure standardized characterization of experiments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.2 Level

• Exercise independent discretion and judgement to define, develop, and implement original solutions to complex data management across a broad set of disciplines at the team, directorate, and institutional level. 
• Provide formal/informal technical leadership and/or domain expertise in researching, advising and recommending technical solutions and approaches.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in a Computer, Engineering, or Mathematics related field, or equivalent combination of technical training and extensive experience.
• Experience with Python, including modern development practices, visualization libraries (Plotly, Streamlit), and the scientific stack (pandas, numpy).
• Experience with modern version control (Git), CI/CD platforms, and containers.
• Experience handling structured and unstructured data formats (JSON, YAML, Parquet, XML) and utilizing RESTful APIs.
• Experience working with scientific or manufacturing data and developing business requirements with customers.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to present technical architectures to non-technical stakeholders and advocate for modern tooling.

Additional Qualifications at the SES.2 Level

• Comprehensive experience with Python. 
• Broad experience collaborating with management, customers or high-level technical personnel to provide direction in the design, evaluation, recommendation, and implementation of systems, services, or processes.
• Broad experience independently analyzing and interpreting complex data/business processes requiring advanced knowledge of materials management, manufacturing data management, and/or scientific experimentation.

Qualifications We Desire 

• Knowledge and experience with LLNL process and procedures.
• Comfortable being an advocate for a new technical product.
• Knowledge of SD/NNSA data domains and use cases.
• Experience with workflow orchestration tools (e.g. Airflow, Prefect, Dagster).
• Knowledge of S3-compatible object storage and Data Lake architectures.

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.

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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. 

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