Project Engineer Technical Leader

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$182,310 - $231,180 Annually

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. 

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as a Project Engineer Technical Leader for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). In this role, you will oversee the design, refurbishment, commissioning, and performance of critical systems that support NIF’s experimental operations, such as Amplifiers, Integrated Optics Modules (IOMs), diagnostics, and other advanced experimental systems. You will lead multidisciplinary teams of engineers, technical staff, and designers to deliver innovative solutions that advance NIF’s mission. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

In this role you will 

• Lead teams, programs, or functions with a technical focus, work independently with minimal direction, use advanced knowledge and team leadership experience, take significant responsibility, and exercise judgment within established policies to monitor workflow, allocate resources, ensure timely completion of projects, and achieve objectives while managing organizational impact.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and management for teams of engineers, technical staff, and designers responsible for NIF systems.
• Collaborate with scientists, project managers, and systems engineers to plan, execute, and deliver engineering development projects and resolve complex technical issues.
• Direct technical activities for new capability development, system commissioning, and troubleshooting, ensuring quality standard for deliverables.
• Oversee the creation and review of design documentation, operational procedures, maintenance plans, and training materials to support NIF systems.
• Provide support for NIF operations as required, resolving complex technical issues efficiently and driving continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering), or related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and relevant prior experience.
• Advanced level knowledge or significant experience in one or more of the following areas: electromechanical systems and mechatronics, high-speed electronic detection methods, optical engineering and optomechanical systems, or precision engineering and alignment.
• Advanced knowledge of engineering system design, analysis, and project planning, with significant experience in technical leadership.
• Proven ability to develop creative solutions for complex problems and lead corrective actions when necessary.
• Significant experience designing and implementing high-performance systems such as precision assemblies and mechatronics.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and managing large, dynamic projects that positively impact organizational goals.
• Advanced level interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across technical staff, managers, and external vendors.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to effectively present technical information and advise management.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience writing technical specifications and statements of work.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 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.