Mechanical Technologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Technologist/Sr. Mechanical Technologist to support a variety of projects related to vibration and shock testing, general environmental testing, modal analysis, health monitoring, aging studies, data acquisition, load testing, general instrumentation, and measurement diagnostics. This position is in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED), within the Engineering Directorate, supporting operations within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) 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 job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Operate test equipment (shaker systems, shock machines, thermal chambers, etc.) using intermediate knowledge of best test and measurement practices.
• Perform maintenance activities to keep test equipment operational and functional.
• Conduct tests on mechanical and\or diagnostic systems, aid with analysis of results, and author test plans and test reports.
• Work with a variety of instrumentation and sensors including: accelerometers, thermocouples, RTD's, strain gages, load cells, pressure transducers, LVDT's, DVRT's, laser vibrometers, capacitance probes, and fiber optic based sensors.
• Prepare test and maintenance procedures to aid in testing,  safety enhancement, and quality of operations. Participate in formal engineering design reviews.
• Perform independent technical tasks for a variety of projects and support general test research efforts.
• Provide design, evaluation, review, fabrication, oversight, testing, assembly, quality policy implementation, and documentation of various projects.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technical personnel, facility engineers, facility safety personnel, and technicians both inside and outside the work group on both an individual and team basis in support of the program.

In Addition at the 533.3 Level

• Define, interpret, design, oversee fabrication and operation of experimental test prototypes and associated highly complex diagnostics utilizing comprehensive knowledge of operation test equipment and mechanical engineering.
• Collaborate with engineers/scientists to provide highly advanced support in solving highly complex technical problems for various projects, independently leading personnel in assigning tasks and prioritizing work.
   

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related technical discipline.
• Knowledge of experimental testing for shock and vibration testing and use of associated test equipment (e.g. electro-dynamic shakers, shock machines, and other test equipment).
• Knowledge of fundamental testing practices, including physical test setup, troubleshooting testing equipment, and interacting with small and large teams to complete work activities.
• Experience working with test data, including exporting different file types, movement of digital files between servers and physical computers, reformatting of data into different layouts.
• Effective communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner both verbal and written for presentation and collaboration with other technical staff members.
• Knowledge working with test measurements, general instrumentation (e.g. accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gages, resistance thermal detectors (RTD's), capacitance gages, laser vibrometers, pressure sensor and other instruments), and general data acquisition methods.

In Addition at the 533.3 Level

• Experience working with advanced level precision component assemblies with tight tolerances.
• Advanced technical skills and knowledge of engineering principles to perform comprehensive troubleshooting and demonstrated ability to regularly make decisions to solve challenging and complex problems and meet project requirements and deadlines.
• Ability to read and follow complex assembly procedures, engineering notes, sketches, and engineering drawings.
• Advanced experience establishing appropriate work methods and setting priorities, as well as interpreting, implementing and/or modifying guidelines, techniques, and procedures.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge and experience with shaker systems, thermal chambers, MATLAB, data acquisition and measurement diagnostics.
• Experience working with optical, radiographic, electronic diagnostic equipment, initiation systems for high-explosives, and/or working with/around high-voltage or high-current equipment.
• Experience working with classified materials, documentation, and/or experimental data.

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 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.