Weapon System Engineer

Join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and contribute to impactful work advancing science and technology for U.S. security and global stability. Our mission covers nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense, fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

About the role

We have multiple openings for Weapon System Engineers to support cross-functional engineering activities for LLNL’s nuclear weapon modernization mission. You will contribute to warhead component development and production, deliver mature product definition, and execute production agency qualification activities to meet program milestones and national deterrence requirements. These roles are within the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) in the Engineering Directorate, supporting Strategic Deterrence (SD) Programs. Depending on assignment, a hybrid schedule may be available, allowing up to one day of remote work per week.

Positions may be filled at different levels based on experience, with additional responsibilities assigned at the higher level.

Responsibilities

• Apply comprehensive engineering knowledge to resolve complex technical and programmatic issues.
• Own component and Product Realization Team documentation, including product definition, project plans, qualification plans, design requirement documents, and interface definitions.
• Lead engineering component test operations, analyze results, and author technical reports.
• Review and address producibility, manufacturability, and surveillance process issues, providing solutions to operational challenges.
• Participate in and lead formal and informal engineering design reviews, multi-site meetings, and program reviews.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities at the SES.3 level:

• Provide technical expertise in materials science, mechanical, and electromechanical design to solve highly complex challenges.
• Develop advanced conceptual and detail designs for ongoing projects.
• Lead and guide multidisciplinary project teams in a dynamic environment.
• Mentor less experienced team members.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with requirements development and engineering drawings.
• Operational experience with engineering testing processes and data analysis.
• Knowledge of the transition from design to production.
• Applied experience with material properties and manufacturing methods.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.

Additional requirements at the SES.3 level:

• Comprehensive knowledge of hardware design, fabrication, or testing processes.
• Advanced understanding of Systems Engineering principles, including requirements development and verification.
• Experience preparing and conducting design/project reviews, including documentation and action-item tracking.
• Ability to organize, direct, and monitor schedules and budgets for multiple concurrent projects, with flexibility to reprioritize as needed.

Qualifications we desire

• Active DOE Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance from another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Ability to interpret specifications and mechanical drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with formal production definition releases, configuration management, and Product Lifecycle Management systems.
• Experience in the NNSA’s nuclear weapons program.
• Working knowledge of NNSA’s Defense Programs Business Process Systems.

Pay

Annual salary ranges:

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

This represents the full salary range in good faith at the time of posting. The final salary will depend on competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, and business needs.

Benefits

• Flexible benefits package.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Relocation assistance.
• Education reimbursement program.
• Flexible schedules (dependent on project needs).

Learn more about our values and inclusion efforts at LLNL’s inclusion page.