Machinists / Senior Machinists

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have several openings for Machinists / Sr. Machinists including Research and Development (R&D), Prototype, and Precision Machinists. You will provide journeyman skill level manufacturing support to fabricate parts, components, and assemblies to customer requirements. You will have close technical interactions with engineering support and facility personnel. These positions are in the Manufacturing Engineering Section (MES) of the Materials Engineering Division (MED).

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

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will 

• Set up and operate all conventional and most precision and CNC machine tools to manufacture parts and assemblies.
• Perform shop calculations utilizing intermediate knowledge of material characteristics to determine optimum feeds, speeds, and dimensions.
• Operate related shop equipment, hand tools, and measuring instruments.
• Perform shop math calculations utilizing intermediate knowledge of material characteristics to achieve required finishes, dimensions, and overall design intent.
• Design and fabricate fixtures and jigs to be used during a variety of manufacturing processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 981.3 level

• Establish and plan techniques and procedures to carry out technical assignments and set task priorities.
• Provide advanced senior machinist support and apply advanced knowledge to manufacture complex, precision hardware.
• Solve complex technical problems.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• High school diploma plus four or more years of directly related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to perform machining operations involving conventional and CNC machine tools, also related manufacturing, and measuring equipment.
• Intermediate knowledge of ASME Y14.5M drafting standards (read and interpret blueprints) to produce parts and assemblies.
• Intermediate knowledge of a wide variety of materials and manufacturing processes including some difficult to machine and exotic materials.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and provide solutions or alternate approaches to manufacturing problems using individual judgment and creativity.
• Intermediate level knowledge of CNC programming, machining, and planning.
• Understanding of safety awareness and safe working practices.
• Ability to become medically qualified to wear respiratory and protection equipment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate tactfully and effectively in a technical environment.
• Ability to work overtime, various shifts and or weekends to accomplish goals.

Additional qualifications at the 981.3 level

• Advanced knowledge of ASME Y14.5M drafting standards (read and interpret blueprints) to produce parts and assemblies.
• Advanced knowledge of a wide variety of materials and manufacturing processes including some difficult to machine and exotic materials.
• Advanced level knowledge of CNC programming, machining, and planning.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in one of the following areas - 5-Axis mill, slant bed lathe with live tooling, precision diamond turning.
• Familiarity with using CAD/CAM systems (Mastercam preferred).

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 981.2 level

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 981.3 level

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.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 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.