Mechanical 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 an opening for a Mechanical Design Drafter/Designer to support projects for a wide variety of customers and projects that would include Physical and Life Sciences (PLS), Strategic Deterrence (SD), Global Security (GS), accelerator technologies, high-energy physics, Energy, and others. You will provide drafting and design support for mechanical apparatus, equipment, assemblies, components, facilities, utilities and systems. Because the work spans many types of applications, you will need to be flexible, working with various groups and projects requiring design assistance. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) with the Engineering Directorate.

These positions require 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 hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Provide general Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical drafting and design support to lead designers, and to engineering, scientific, and technical staff to conceptualize, develop, and complete detailed designs of hardware for various mechanical applications.
• Translate requirements and constraints into detailed layouts, fabrication, and assembly drawings utilizing knowledge of CAD tools.
• Create moderately complex 3D CAD models and 2D drawings of design concepts using PTC Creo 10.
• Develop detailed fabrication drawings, specifications, and documentation for all designs.
• Work independently on small projects and/or contribute to large team projects.
• Perform basic calculations to support technical work using standard engineering formulas; analyze cost effectiveness of design, schedule, and materials.
• Interact productively with vendors, customers, and others outside the work unit.
• Maintain documentation in a configuration management system (PTC Windchill PLM application)
• 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 secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Associate’s degree in Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical Drafting; or relevant degree with significant science, mathematics, and engineering coursework with related experience; or Certificate in Engineering Technology or Mechanical Drafting with related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of drafting standards, procedures, and techniques, including working knowledge of ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standard.
• Experience developing design concepts through fabrication with a broad background in a wide variety of its various sub-disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to solve moderately complex technical problems.
• Intermediate understanding of design, function, fabrication processes, and packaging of mechanical   hardware/systems.
• Demonstrated ability to read and follow engineering notes, sketches, drawings, specifications, and procedures.
• Intermediate knowledge of PTC Creo10 CAD software for creating moderately complex 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Additional qualifications at the 534.3 level 

• Advanced working knowledge of ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Standard and proficient use of PTC Creo10 CAD software.
• Advanced understanding of mechanical and electrical design principles and demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Advanced knowledge of engineering hardware design principles, fabrication, and installation processes.

Qualifications We Desire

• Applied experience with SolidWorks CAD software
• Experience in reviewing and verifying the accuracy of work performed by peers and other engineering disciplines as needed.
• Experience using PTC Windchill PLM application or other database management 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.  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.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

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.

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.