Nuclear Facility Electronics/Instrumentation/Control Systems Engineer

Join us and make your mark on the world! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) advances science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense, empowering teams to tackle today’s toughest challenges.

About the role

We have an opening for a nuclear facility instrumentation or control system engineer to provide engineering expertise ensuring the operational readiness of DOE Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facility building structures. Responsibilities include maintaining system integrity, supporting operations and maintenance activities, and providing technical support for line management safety responsibilities. This role reports programmatically to the Superblock and administratively to the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) within the Engineering Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule with flexibility to work from home up to one day per week after a probationary period, depending on team and organizational needs. The role may be filled at either level based on knowledge and experience, with additional responsibilities assigned at the higher level.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the integrity and configuration of instrumentation, detection, or alarm systems to anticipate maintenance, repair, or replacement needs due to aging and degradation.
• Prepare system logs, surveillance reports, and detailed assessment reports, briefing facility management on results.
• Identify, monitor, and recommend timely procurement and inventory assurance of spare parts and materials.
• Provide technical engineering support for sustainment, repair, and modification of safety structures, systems, and components using comprehensive skills and experience.
• Support significant R&D projects by applying expertise to create safe, compliant solutions aligned with DOE orders and specifications.
• Develop and implement solutions for problems of moderate complexity in facility operations and maintenance, using independent judgment, analysis, and creativity.
• Assess potential impacts to assigned structures, systems, and components from new construction, modifications, and repairs related to other systems (e.g., HVAC, building structures).
• Develop and perform technical reviews of facility-related procedures, work instructions, and proposed modifications to ensure compliance, technical adequacy, and feasibility.
• Prepare and review design calculations, drawings, and other documents under limited direction.
• Conduct reviews and provide technical input on moderately complex system-related design, operation, and maintenance issues to management, customers, and colleagues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities (SES.3 Level)

• Independently monitor the integrity and configuration of instrumentation, detector, or alarm systems to anticipate maintenance, repair, or replacement needs.
• Use advanced knowledge to identify, monitor, and recommend procurement and inventory assurance of spare parts and materials.
• Apply advanced technical engineering skills to support sustainment, repair, and modification of complex safety structures, systems, and components.
• Support R&D projects by applying advanced knowledge and innovation to create safe, compliant solutions per DOE orders and specifications.
• Develop and implement solutions for complex problems in facility operations and maintenance using independent judgment and creativity.
• Independently develop and perform technical reviews of facility-related procedures, work instructions, and proposed modifications.
• Prepare and review design calculations, drawings, and other documents with minimal direction.
• Provide technical input and advice on complex system-related design, operation, and maintenance issues to management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronics, instrumentation, or controls engineering, or equivalent education and technical experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering standards (e.g., ASME, ANSI, NFPA) related to electrical, electronics, instrumentation, or controls.
• Broad experience in the design, modification, and evaluation of instrumentation, detector, or alarm systems for buildings and facilities.
• Proficiency in developing or reviewing calculations, specifications, drawings, and sketches for modifications, renovations, and upgrades.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaborating in a team environment and presenting recommendations to management.
• Experience developing work process documents and safety documentation.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Proven ability to deliver work products on budget and schedule, managing multiple parallel tasks and conflicting priorities.

Additional Qualifications (SES.3 Level)

• Previous experience with instrumentation, detector, or alarm systems and industry code compliance, including DOE requirements for nuclear facilities.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical, electronics, instrumentation, or controls engineering standards (e.g., ASME, ANSI, NFPA).
• Significant experience in the design, modification, and evaluation of instrumentation, detector, or alarm systems for buildings and facilities.
• Advanced experience in developing or reviewing calculations, specifications, drawings, and design criteria for modifications and upgrades.
• Experience leading and motivating teams to achieve project objectives, solving highly complex problems, and applying project management expertise.
• Advanced communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills to influence senior management, regulators, and stakeholders.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in electrical, electronics, instrumentation, or controls engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineering Registration in Electrical or Control System Engineering in California or reciprocity from another state within twelve months.
• Significant experience working with structures, systems, and components in a nuclear environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Creo).
• Experience preparing project estimates.
• Experience scoping, designing, installing, or maintaining a Distributed Control System (DCS).
• Hands-on experience with PLC/research hardware programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA configuration and support.

Pay

Annual pay range: $146,340 – $222,564

• $146,340 – $185,544 for the SES.2 level
• $175,530 – $222,564 for the SES.3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we would pay for this role at the time of posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. Position within the range depends on competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, and business needs.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

Schedule

This is a career indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates. The role may offer a hybrid schedule with flexibility to work from home up to one day per week after a probationary period.

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. A Federal background investigation will be initiated to determine eligibility for access to classified information. All L or Q-cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. External applicants must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test, including testing for marijuana use as Federal Law applies.

Depending on job duties, work in Limited Areas may restrict the use or possession of mobile devices, including cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, and wireless headphones. Medical devices paired with mobile devices must comply with these restrictions. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or with disabled wireless features are permitted.

A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.