Plant Operator Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Description

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.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Maintenance Mechanic. You will operate and maintain a wide variety of mechanical and electrical equipment, such as pumps, valves, and flow controls associated with the heating, air conditioning, water supply, sewage treatment, and related operating systems and utilities of LLNL's plant and research facilities. This position is in the Mechanical Utilities Division within the Infrastructure Maintenance and Utilities Department, and may require work at Site 300 in Tracy, CA. 

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Operate and maintain a wide variety of site-wide mechanical and electrical equipment using materials, power tools, and hand tools applicable to the trade. 
• Work from drawings and verbal/written instructions to keep plant and research systems operating. 
• Maintain and operate equipment in conjunction with underground utilities distribution systems, which include natural gas systems, centralized compressed air system, sewer collection system, and water (city, low conductivity, and demineralized). 
• Maintain, operate, and repair water pumps, vacuum pumps, LN2 dewars, air compressors, valves, and other plant equipment. 
• Operate specialized mechanical systems and devices (e.g., operate high-pressure steam boiler), take corrective measures in the event of malfunctions within specified time according to State codes. 
• Prepare standard reports, permit requirements, deficiency forms, and preventive maintenance work requests utilizing written or computer format. 
• Interact with co-workers, supervisors, engineers, and skilled technical personnel. 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• High school diploma or apprentice training completion or equivalent combination of education and related work experience. 
• Basic skills, knowledge, and abilities in maintenance mechanic tasks including journey-level machine shop experience. 
• Basic knowledge and experience operating and maintaining a wide variety of mechanical and electrical equipment such as pumps, valves, and flow controls associated with heating, air conditioners, water supply, sewage treatment, and related operating systems and utilities. 
• Experience using hand tools and power tools of the trade such as grinders, torque wrenches, micrometers, pneumatic tools, presses, and shears.Working knowledge of related trades such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and millwright. 
• Basic skills in the application of applicable safety policies and procedures. 
• Basic written and computer skills necessary to complete work orders, time reporting and training. 
• Effective customer service and communication skills to interact with personnel at all levels and across multidisciplinary teams. 
• Valid California driver's license, and the ability to obtain and maintain multiple certifications and licensessuch asCalifornia State Certificate Backflow Tester and/or State of California Water Distribution Operator License. 
• Ability to work scheduled shift (day, swing, owl), emergency overtime, and various shifts including weekends; ability to travel to Site 300; and ability to become medically qualified to wear respiratory and protection equipment. 

Pay Range

$43.60 - $52.99 hourly 

This position is under a Collective Bargaining Agreement and step structure. Step placement will be determined after your qualifications are fully assessed during the interview process.

Additional Information

#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

Site 300

Site 300 is an experimental test site operated by LLNL.  Situated on 7,000 acres in rural foothills approximately six miles southwest of downtown Tracy and 15 miles southeast of Livermore, Site 300 hosts approximately 200 employees with expertise in such fields as engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental restoration. Employees assigned to work at Site 300 may be exposed to the organism that causes San Joaquin Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis).

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. 

Davis Bacon Act

The Laboratory performs a variety of work, including some that may fall under Davis Bacon Act requirements.  When work scope falls under this Act, the Laboratory complies with the prevailing wage requirements.

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.