Tech/Sr. Tech – Mechanical Technologist/Sr. Technologist

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 openings for Mechanical Technologists and Senior Mechanical Technologists.  You will support ongoing programmatic activities, either independently or in collaboration with engineers, scientists, and technical staff. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, the design of fixtures and assemblies, vacuum system setup and maintenance, equipment setup and operation, troubleshooting, hardware modifications, and basic fabrication using common tools and equipment. You will work with various testing equipment, such as digital voltmeters and oscilloscopes.  These positions are in the Materials and Non-Destructive Evaluation (MNDE) Section within the Materials Engineering Division (MED).

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.

You will 

• Provide technical support by applying fundamental knowledge of fabrication, assembly, installation, and system operation under general supervision.
• Fabricate and assemble or disassemble mechanical components and systems while following procedures with defined requirements.
• Meet and maintain qualification criteria in a technical or engineering discipline as required for programmatic operations, maintenance, or other general requirements.
• Use moderately complex mathematics and geometric concepts to produce shop-level drawings for the fabrication of test hardware.
• Operate machine shop and hand tools to fabricate tooling in support of programmatic experiments.
• Apply general knowledge of relevant technologies and processes, including interpreting and utilizing laboratory equipment to resolve hardware or system malfunctions.
• Maintain documentation of systems and experimental records.
• Perform general facility-related and technical functions, such as maintenance, testing, and equipment upgrades.
• Follow and adhere to written operational and safety procedures, including practicing good housekeeping in experimental, work, and office areas, and perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 533.3 level 

• Provide advanced technical support using appropriate materials and processes to design and fabricate materials, components, and operations for complex systems under minimal supervision.
• Participate in regular, independent interactions with project leaders, scientists, engineers, and technical personnel to identify, evaluate, and analyze requirements and processes.
• Set priorities, schedules, and requirements to solve complex mechanical and operational problems.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in engineering, mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing technology, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience; or a technology-related certificate or diploma with related work experience and related coursework; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field that includes mechanical training.
• Intermediate skills and experience using general hand tools, such as hand-held and stationary drills and grinders, and precision measurement equipment, such as torque wrenches, calipers, micrometers, and height gages.
• Ability to work with general machine shop equipment, for example mills, lathes, and cutting equipment.
• Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, for example SolidWorks, for shop fabrication drawings.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively.
• Experience with personal computers and associated software, including the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Additional qualifications at the 533.3 level 

• Advanced knowledge of general manufacturing techniques.
• Significant experience operating and maintaining conventional machine shop equipment.
• Experience with complex mechanical fabrication and assembly.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity with software coding and programming.
• Experience working with vacuum and gas pressure systems.
• Experience reading and interpreting mechanical drawings.
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing and electronics technology.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 533.2 level
$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 533.3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith 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.

#LI-Onsite

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) L-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.  L-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.