Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate – Target Diagnostics

We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate. You will provide design, testing, assembly, process development, technical oversight, and documentation for the Target Diagnostics Engineering & Science (TDES) in the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. You will develop and implement advanced technical support in the design of experimental, research, and prototype equipment and components associated with mechanical systems. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

In this role you will

• Develop original solutions to complex technical problems, determining appropriate work methods and establishing priorities to meet programmatic requirements.
• Oversee personnel and provide advanced mechanical support and hands-on operations through the measurement, design and/or assembly of complex components and systems based upon specifications from engineers and scientists.
• Provide design, evaluation, review, fabrication, oversight, testing, assembly, and documentation of various complex mechanical systems.
• Provide guidance to personnel in assigning tasks and prioritizing work.
• Conduct and/or participate in meetings where concepts are determined and translated into possible courses of actions.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to technicians, making frequent decisions using independent discretion and judgment.
• Interface with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory to complete various LLNL design processes.
• Conduct and participate in design reviews, including providing solutions, gathering feedback, and documenting decisions and action items.
• 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 technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
• Extensive hands-on experience building and testing complex precision and mechanical systems.
• Advanced knowledge in engineering design and CAD, metrology, fabrication and CNC machining, and assembly techniques.
• Experience of participating in engineering testing operations and analyzing results.
• Experience leading a technical team and managing work to a programmatic schedule.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and experience working independently as part of a multidisciplinary team in a schedule-driven environment.
• Possess advanced written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of materials, equipment, or technologies associated with high precision manufacturing and metrology.
• Experience and knowledge working in a clean room environment with precision cleaned components and equipment.
• Quality Assurance and/or Quality Check documentation skills used in an engineering environment.

Pay Range

$125,310 - $153,444 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.

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Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 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.  Also, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.  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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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.