Mechanical Technologist/Senior Mechanical Technologist - Independent Diagnostic

We have an opening for a Mechanical Technologists/Sr. Mechanical Technologist to support LLLNL’s Independent Diagnostic Scoring System (LIDSS) team. Primary work activities include fabrication, assembly, maintenance, design and operating equipment used in the setup and deployment of the LLNL Independent Diagnostic Scoring System (LIDSS), which is a complex system used to capture and record neutron, hydrophone, and optics data to aid in delivery vehicle scoring and to help assess weapon performance as part of LLNL’s mission for Stockpile Stewardship. Much of the testing is done at remote locations such as the Kwajalein Atoll, located in the Republic of Marshall Islands, as well as other locations including the Dugway Proving Grounds (Utah), the Broad Ocean Area, and Holloman Air Force Base (New Mexico). This position is in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) within the Engineering Directorate, supporting operations within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) organization.

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 job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Design, fabricate, assemble, disassemble, upgrade, and retrofit moderately complex electro-mechanical components and systems, using work control process and procedure requirements while working under general supervision.
• Provide intermediate level technical support to engineering, scientific, and technical staff to plan and conduct experiments in support of LIDSS program mission at Livermore Site and other DOE/DOD Sites worldwide.
• Provide operations, maintenance, design, fabrication, assembly support, and produce & maintain systems documentation and experimental records.
• Operate mechanical diagnostic equipment, maintain area controls, assist with mechanical diagnostic calibration and alignment, test prior to experiment execution, and perform data recovery after experiment execution.
• Apply intermediate knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes in solving mechanical problems for maritime environments while using established guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
• Perform facility related and technical functions such as maintenance, testing, upgrades to equipment control, etc. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 533.3 level

• Provide advanced level technical assembly and disassembly support of complex systems while working independently, and with minimal direction.
• Design, fabricate, assemble, and disassemble complex mechanical components and systems including planning and selecting materials, equipment, and methods.
• Assist in developing test parameters, comprehensive troubleshooting and testing materials, components, or systems, identifying problems, and providing input on solutions.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience solving a variety of moderately complex technical problems in completion of work assignments.
• Experience with mechanical diagnostic equipment, maintaining area controls, assisting with mechanical diagnostic calibration and alignment, testing prior to experiment execution, and performing data recovery after experiment execution.
• Experience in mechanical fabrication and assembly.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills and ability to work constructively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to complete and maintain certifications as required by the position.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. in a safe and controlled manner.
• Ability to frequently travel up to three (no consecutive) months per year to DOD sites, remote locations and on ships, in adverse conditions, worldwide in support of program mission.

Additional qualifications at the 533.3 level

• Experience working with advanced level precision component assemblies with tight tolerances.
• Advanced level technical skills and knowledge of engineering principles to perform comprehensive troubleshooting and regularly make decisions to solve challenging and complex problems.
• Ability to read and follow complex assembly procedures, engineering notes, sketches, and engineering drawings.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience using CAD and PDM systems to design, modify, release, and archive large assembly systems/experiments.
• Experience with marine crane launch and recovery systems, including knowledge of associated design standards and requirements.
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot and repair mechanical systems in the field under tight deadlines with minimal resources.
• Experience with equipment design and assembly for marine environments, including material selection, hardware requirements, and use of watertight electrical and cable connectors.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for 533.2 Level
$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for 533.3 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.