Precision Engineering 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 Mechanical/Precision or Metrology Engineer to join our Manufacturing Engineering and Technology Development Group. You will apply precision engineering principles to contribute to and/or lead projects supporting stockpile stewardship programs. These efforts will include the planning and execution of strategies for quantifying the uncertainty of new and existing technologies ranging from additive manufacturing to dimensional metrology. You will become familiar with the ongoing priorities of the programs being supported to assist in developing proposals for future technology development that aids in the success of program objectives. Projects may involve requirements that are beyond commercially available capabilities and solutions may require modifications to commercial tools or development of advanced tools, sensors, and fabrication methods. When available technology is inadequate to meet current or future program needs, forward thinking will be essential for envisioning directions for technology development. This position is in the Material Engineering Division (MED), 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 job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You will

• Provide engineering solutions for the characterization and inspection processes used in the fabrication of components, including tooling design, procedure development, and uncertainty analysis.
• Perform inspection operations of limited complexity and interpret specifications and mechanical drawings.
• Perform engineering calculations to support design, fabrication, and/or metrology operations.
• Analyze and interpret metrology data and the methods used to collect it.
• Work independently under general direction and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Present technical approaches, project plans, and documentation to peers and program managers.
• Design and implement hardware of limited complexity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Solve moderately complex to complex technical issues related to metrology and manufacturing operations.
• Utilize rigorous error budgets, kinematic (exact) constraint, and other precision engineering principles to qualify processes, provide quantified design enhancements as needed to meet capability requirements, and oversee the fabrication and implementation of these designs.
• Develop and present research and development proposals.
• Plan and execute on strategies to quantify the performance of new and existing manufacturing and metrology technologies while working under limited direction.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of metrology principles and technologies, as well as their related application spaces.
• Working engineering knowledge associated with inspection operations and experience interpreting specifications and technical drawings.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team with effective organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.
• Experience with responsibility for research, design, analysis, prototyping, and early fabrication/assembly/test.
• Experience analyzing accuracy and resolution limits in metrology tools and manufacturing equipment.
• Fundamental knowledge of and experience designing and implementing hardware.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of metrology principles and technologies, with demonstrated ability to apply these to both new and existing moderately complex processes/equipment.
• Experience and comprehensive knowledge in the design and evaluation of metrology systems and processes.
• Experience in the application of uncertainty analysis and error budgeting, with the ability to apply these to both new and existing processes/equipment.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Experience leading or contributing to design reviews.

Qualifications We Desire

• Fundamentals of Machine Tool Metrology.
• Proficient in commercial software applications such as Visual Basic (VB) or Python.
• Proficient in Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) software such as PC-DIMIS, QUINDOS, or CALYPSO.
• Working engineering knowledge associated with manufacturing.
• Experienced in controls engineering, for example PLC programming or LabVIEW development.
• Experience in the Critical Measuring and Test Equipment (CM&TE) and quality assurance.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on developing relationships and building long-term collaborations with internal and/or external sponsors.

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.
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

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.
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.
Videos To Watch
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