Robotics and Materials Automation Academic Graduate Appointee

We are seeking a Robotics and Materials Automation Academic Graduate Appointee to join our team. In this role, you will work under the guidance of staff members to execute experiments on materials design and engineering topics with a focus on robotics and automation. As part of the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate, you will contribute to advancing strategies for national security and support LLNL’s Institutional Initiative of Robotics and Automation. This position provides an excellent opportunity to further your educational and career goals while conducting impactful research.

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

You will 

• Conduct research at the intersection of applied science and robotics and automation.
• Support LLNL by contributing to ongoing research activities and experimental fabrication work.
• Present research findings to LLNL staff as appropriate.
• Prepare reports and/or publications as assigned.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in applied physics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with robotics and automation with custom or commercially available solutions (e.g., UR5e).
• Experience with sample preparation, protocol generation for automated systems, and utilization of automated systems.
• Experience with mechanical design software such as SolidWorks or RISA-2D.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and to prepare, present, and explain technical results.
• Demonstrated initiative, interpersonal skills, creativity, and ability to work effectively in a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with electrochemistry.
• Familiarity with polymer and metal additive manufacturing.
• Basic programming and data analysis skills in a language such as python, R or MatLab.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

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

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

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.