Scientific Associate - Instruments & Calibration

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

$120,510 - $147,564 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.  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 have an opening for an Instrument & Calibration Associate in the Superblock facilities supported by the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate and the SD Integrated Safety Team (IST) that supports operations. You will provide advanced technical support and solve complex technical problems involving the calibration, testing, maintenance, and repair of radiation detection instruments, while following Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) guidelines. The individual filling this position will work as a team member and will interact on a regular basis with co‐workers within Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate, ES&H, and Radiation Calibration Lab (RCL) clients within the Superblock. This position is within the Analytical Services & Instrumentation Division of the Technical Services Department of the ES&H Directorate.

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

You will 

• Act as a technical liaison between the facility clients, RCL, IST disciplines, and technicians to provide safe, reliable radiation detection instruments, research and evaluate new equipment, and make recommendations that meet programmatic needs.
• Calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and make mechanical and/or electrical repairs to radiation detection instruments and supporting equipment; evaluate data provided by these instruments to assure they are calibrated.
• In association with facility staff and health physicists, monitor and track electronic personal dosimeter results for radiological operations. 
• Operate and maintain facility radiological laboratory equipment including Liquid Scintillation Counting systems, gamma and tritium monitoring systems, as well as access and interlock systems.
• Maintain working-level knowledge of industry and statutory standards for equipment used for and related to the operation, service, and maintenance of radiation detection instruments (e.g., ANSI N323AB); adapt practices and guidelines to ensure compliance.
• Act as procedure author, lead instructor, and purchaser in support of facility’s use of radiological instrumentation and software applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in a Scientific field or equivalent combination of education with extensive related experience. 
• Experience providing technical guidance and developing technical laboratory procedures.
• Specialized technical expertise in calibrating, operating, maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting electromechanical equipment, health and safety‐related measurement and/or monitoring equipment.
• Experience analyzing complex laboratory and instrumentation data, reporting results, and maintaining records using both manual and computer tools (e.g., measuring and testing equipment inventory management software).
• Knowledge of regulatory and/or international standards such as ANSI N323AB or ISO 17025 and ES&H QA/QC guidelines.
• Advanced organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and follow through.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of personnel, including professional and technical staff members.
• Knowledge of radiation fundamentals and experience working with radioactive sources and materials.
• Ability to qualify as a DOE Radiological Control Technologist.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced experience in instrumentation installation and application.
• Experience working with configuration managed nuclear or safety systems.
• General knowledge of Superblock scientific goals, systems, and work control process.

#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.

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.