Engineering Technical Associate - Kinetic Technologies

We have an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate to support the Kinetic Technologies (KT) team. You will contribute to new and on-going experiments at LLNL’s Livermore Site, Site 300, and other locations within the Nuclear Weapons Enterprise (NWE) complex. Primary work activities are conducted in the B131 High Bay. The selected candidate will work in a team environment to execute experiments involving conventional weapons and energetic materials. You will work independently, occasionally leading technical teams, to solve and implement original solutions ranging from complex to highly complex technical problems associated with electronic/mechanical systems. The selected candidate will make frequent decisions using a high degree of independent discretion and judgment in design concepts and system improvements. The selected candidate may have technical lead authority and responsibilities. This position is in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) within the Engineering Directorate, supporting operations within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) organization.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

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 you are selected at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on experimental needs and fielded test systems and instrumentation.
• Apply innovative technical expertise to the design, development, documentation, evaluation, operation, maintenance, and modification of complex engineering electronic/mechanical systems, while frequently making decisions using independent discretion and judgment in design concepts and system improvements.
• Utilize advanced level technical expertise and complex data analysis, interpretation, and critical thinking skills to provide support to engineering, scientific, and technical staff while planning, conducting, and leading multiple projects and experiments in support of Kinetic Technologies program mission at Livermore Site 300 and other NWE sites.
• Independently lead the troubleshooting of complex electronic/mechanical technical problems, offering and implementing original solutions, modifying guidelines and techniques, developing and documenting test, troubleshooting, maintenance, and operational procedures, providing oversight, and reporting results to upper management.
• Participate in and lead the execution of complex operations and maintenance strategies, supporting small to large scale experiments by monitoring and guiding team efforts, organizing process flow, and maintaining task schedules.
• Organize, analyze, develop, communicate, and present data and test results, identifying problems, providing and recommending solutions, and contributing to effective resolution activities.

May provide technical advice and direction to other technical staff.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 339.2 level

• Provide highly advanced technical and/or technical management support to scientific, engineering, and technical personnel through specialized and highly advanced technical knowledge, skills, and understanding of relevant technologies and processes relating to design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of parts/materials/equipment.
• Frequently make high impact decisions using a high degree of independent discretion and judgement to balance Kinetic Technology program needs and hardware testing dates, defining project approaches, resolving issues by developing creative solutions, modifying guidelines and techniques, refining technical systems, choosing appropriate work methods, and setting priorities. 
• Contribute to Kinetic Technologies functional cost and budget forecasts, preparing and presenting formalized reports, and collaborating on budget, schedule, and effort levels. 
• Author, critically review, oversee the development, and approve reports, documentation of highly complex or specialized electronic or mechanical systems, and other engineering related documents. 
• Represent the organization in technical discussions with customers and external collaborators. 
• Ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, addressing high-consequence errors when necessary. 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering technology and/or electro-optics technology, or related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to make frequent independent, and fundamental decisions regarding a variety of complex technical problems in completion of work assignments.
• Significant experience providing advanced electro-mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, and system set-up in support of experiments and experimental campaigns.
• Advanced level knowledge, skills, and experience in mechanical fabrication, assembly and engineering principles.
• Experience working in and leading multi-disciplinary project teams or other technical staff in the fabrication and assembly of complex systems.
• Ability to effectively manage simultaneous commitments to multiple technical projects, manage high-pressure situations, prioritize tasks, and maintain focus while meeting deadlines.
• Advanced written and verbal communication and presentation skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, and to present and explain complex technical information.
• Experience with project and workforce effort planning, training, and providing technical direction to others.
• Ability to complete and maintain certifications as required by the position.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. in a safe and controlled manner.
• Ability to become medically qualified to wear respiratory and other protective equipment and perform moderate work effort while wearing respirators.
• Ability to periodically travel to Nuclear Security Enterprise sites in support of program mission.

Additional qualifications at the 339.2 level

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction while providing frequent decision making using a high degree of independent discretion and judgment to define approach and create and implement original solutions.
• Significant experience and highly advanced skills, knowledge and abilities in electro-mechanical system level builds with high precision and critical timelines.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in successfully planning, organizing, budgeting, and leading multiple projects of significant scope.
• Highly advanced written, verbal, feedback and presentation communication skills in and ability to present regular formalized reporting and presentations to management and outside collaborators.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working with classified materials and experimental equipment.
• High Explosives certification
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) certification
• Experience in fulfilling Work Control process and procedure requirements
• Experience working with machine tools

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.

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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

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