Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Manteca, CA

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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.

The Conflict Simulation Laboratory (CSL) of the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD) within the Computation Directorate has an opening for a Conflict Simulation Software Engineer and Technical Trainer supporting the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS) program. CSL develops and deploys the JCATS and JCATS Low Overhead Driver (JLOD) simulation suites for users worldwide and works closely with external partners to enable interoperability with other simulation models and tools in federated environments.

In this role, you will divide your time between software DevOps and testing activities and delivering JCATS operations training to users at LLNL and customer sites. You will support software builds, deployments, configuration, release, verification, and operational sustainment activities. You will also develop and execute test plans, maintain automated testing workflows, document and track defects, and collaborate with developers and users to improve software quality and reliability. In addition, you will develop and deliver JCATS training courses, support users during exercises, and provide instruction on JCATS operations, workflows, and database topics as needed.

The position will report to the E/CSL Associate Program Leader.

This position will be filled at either the SES.1 or SES.2 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 

• Support JCATS and JLOD software DevOps activities, including software builds, configuration management, release preparation, deployment, and ongoing operational sustainment.
• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and execution to integration, regression, system, and acceptance test plans.
• Participate in testing new and existing JCATS capabilities, interfaces, workflows, and federated integrations.
• Document, reproduce, prioritize, and track limited complexity software defects and operational issues through resolution.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance with automated test scripts and test data.
• Collaborate with developers, systems engineers, analysts, and users to improve software quality, reliability, and deployment processes.
• Support configuration control, release notes, technical documentation, and operational readiness reviews.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of JCATS training courses at LLNL and customer sites.
• Provide training under general direction on JCATS operations, workflows, exercise procedures, and related user processes.
• Support users through classroom, exercise, and hands-on training activities.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance to training materials, user guides, test scenarios, and course documentation.
• Provide direct customer support and interact with JCATS exercise operations personnel.
• Support integration with external models, tools, and training events as needed.
• Travel to customer sites to deliver JCATS training and support customer requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Contribute to DevOps and software quality activities for assigned capabilities or releases.
• Provide solutions to moderately complex problems to define test strategies, quality metrics, automation priorities, and release-readiness criteria.
• May provide guidance and informal mentorship to team members in testing, automation, deployment, and operational support practices.
• Contribute to the development with JCATS training content, specialized operational procedures, and JCATS database topics.
•  Support customer training events, exercise support activities, and troubleshooting efforts.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship 
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical area or the equivalent combination of education and related technical experience.
• Knowledge of basic networking, software configuration, data management, and Linux operating systems.
• Fundamental knowledge in software development and/or testing.
• Fundamental knowledge in briefing, coaching, evaluating, and debriefing training participants.
• Ability to perform effectively under time constraints, adapt to changing scenarios, and resolve limited complex problems efficiently.
• Fundamental knowledge of military operations, organization structures, and nomenclature.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Ability to work effectively with minimal guidance.
• Broad experience developing, implementing, and maintaining automated software testing tools and frameworks to improve test coverage, efficiency, and software quality.
• Broad experience developing, testing, debugging and maintaining software applications implemented in C++.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience developing innovative solutions and applying new technologies to broadly defined tasks and projects. 
• Broad experience applying effective analytical and problem-solving skills to moderately complex problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree in computer science, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical area or the equivalent combination of education and related technical experience.
• Knowledge and experience with event-based software simulations.
• Experience developing complex, client/server software suites.
• Experience developing object-oriented GUIs, including the use of OpenGL.
• Knowledge of plane and solid geometry and vector analysis.

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; 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.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite or At Will appointment. Lab employees and external candidates may be considered for this position.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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