Design Drafter/Designer

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have multiple openings for a Mechanical and/or Electro-Mechanical Design Drafter or Designer to support new and on-going experiments and facilities for various programs at LLNL’s Site 200 (Livermore, CA). You will provide design and drafting support including electronic and mechanical design, drawing and data management of complex control/diagnostic systems and sub systems. You will support one of the selected Modernization, Modification or Stockpile Systems programs. These positions are in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED)/Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) Program, supporting the Strategic Deterrence (SD) directorate.

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

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.

In this role you will

• Provide general mechanical or electro-mechanical drafting and design support to lead designers, engineering, scientific, and technical staff utilizing knowledge of CAD tools where design parameters and specifications have been established.
• Perform basic calculations to support technical work using standard engineering formulas.
• Process drawings and other technical information using database management software.
• Maintain systems documentation and experimental records.
• Provide graphics and related technical material in support of design reviews, procedures, and other documentation.
• Review completed drawings and other documentation for adherence to LLNL drafting standards and specifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 534.3 level

• Provide advanced mechanical or electro-mechanical design and drafting support where overall design parameters and specifications have been established.
• Contribute to preliminary design concepts for hardware, componentry, and systems including making independent judgment and decisions.
• Estimate scheduling and costs to determine effective methods in design, materials, and time to meet project deliverables and prepare and present technical material for design reviews, procedures, and other related documentation.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Associate degree in Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical Drafting; or relevant degree containing significant science, mathematics, electronics, and engineering coursework with related experience; or Certificate in Engineering Technology, Mechanical or Electronic Drafting with related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of the standards, procedures, and techniques related to drafting including knowledge of ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Standard.
• Ability to solve moderately complex technical problems.
• Intermediate understanding of function, fabrication, processes, and packaging of electronic systems and/or mechanical hardware.
• Ability to read and follow engineering notes, sketches, drawings specifications, and procedures.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Additional qualifications at the 534.3 level

• Advanced knowledge of ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Standard and proficient use of CAD software.
• Advanced understanding of electrical and mechanical design principles and ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Advanced knowledge in PCB designs, electrical schematics, engineering hardware design, fabrication, assembly techniques, materials, testing processes, and manufacturing methods.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience using CAD, AutoCAD, and database management software.
• Experience using PTC Windchill PDMLink design software.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 534.2 Level
$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 534.3 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.

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 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.  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.