Mechanical Engineer - Pulsed Power Systems

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 Engineer to support the Advanced Sources and Detectors (ASD) Scorpius program, a first-of-a-kind linear accelerator advancing national security science. ASD Scorpius is being executed on behalf of the Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) through a multi-institution collaboration involving Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS).You will contribute to the design, development, and assembly of mechanical systems supporting high-energy pulsed power and accelerator technologies. This includes supporting the development and integration of solid-state pulsed power (SSPP) subsystems, as well as high-voltage infrastructure and diagnostic systems critical to accelerator performance. You will perform hands-on engineering across the full lifecycle-from concept development and detailed design through fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across institutions to develop robust hardware solutions and support system integration efforts, contributing to the successful delivery of a complex, first-of-its-kind national security capability.This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED), within the Engineering Directorate.

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 responsibilities will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Design, develop, and support fabrication of mechanical components and assemblies for pulsed power and linear accelerator systems.
• Support assembly and integration of high-voltage subsystems, including cable routing, structural supports, and diagnostic hardware.
• Develop and refine mechanical designs for oil-filled systems, manifolds, and insulating structures used in high-voltage environments.
• Conduct basic engineering analyses (e.g., structural, thermal, or FEA) to inform design decisions and improve system reliability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems with electrical, diagnostic, and control subsystems.
• Support testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of hardware, including participation in experimental setup and data collection.
• Document designs, procedures, and test results; communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
• Follow safety, quality, and operational procedures in a highly regulated environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Independently develop and implement moderately complex mechanical designs for pulsed power and accelerator subsystems.
• Lead discrete tasks or small projects, including planning, execution, and coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Apply engineering judgment to evaluate design trade-offs and recommend improvements to system performance and manufacturability.
• Contribute to development of new design approaches, tooling, or processes that enhance efficiency, reliability, or throughput.
• Provide informal mentoring or technical guidance to junior staff, interns, or technicians.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Fundamental knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, including design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) for part and assembly design.
• Fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience with mechanical fabrication, assembly, or laboratory/test environments.
• Familiarity with basic engineering analysis methods (e.g., FEA, structural or thermal analysis).
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and document technical work.
• Ability to work under general direction and follow established engineering processes and procedures.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Demonstrated ability to apply broad mechanical engineering principles to solve moderately complex technical problems.
• Comprehensive experience independently executing design, fabrication, or integration tasks in a laboratory, manufacturing, or R&D environment.
• Experience contributing to system-level integration, testing, or troubleshooting of engineering hardware.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria within defined objectives.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with pulsed power systems, high-voltage hardware, or accelerator technologies.
• Experience designing or supporting oil-filled systems, high-voltage insulation, or dielectric materials.
• Familiarity with cable design, routing, or high-voltage interconnect systems.
• Experience with machine shop tools, fabrication techniques, or fixture/jig design.
• Exposure to multidisciplinary R&D environments involving rapid prototyping and testing.

Pay Range

$121,830 - $185,544 Annually

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 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-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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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