Mechanics of Materials Engineer – Active Clearance Required

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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 an opening for a Materials Engineer in the Mechanics of Materials Group. The Mechanics of Materials Group provides mechanical testing services and subject matter expertise to a variety of internal and external customers and programs. You will perform mechanical behavior studies on structural materials and design hardware for tests and specialized processing of alloy components.  The position may involve trials, tests, and experiments to support engineering, production, and R&D activities. It may also require the design, development, and implementation of innovative methodologies and hardware to acquire data or develop technologies.  We are seeking a team player who is passionate about learning and teaching, can find creative solutions to moderately complex and complex problems, and contributes to the growth of our team. This position is within the Materials Engineering Division (MED) of the Engineering Directorate.

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

You will 

• Apply comprehensive knowledge to projects with a broadly defined, moderately complex scope and with limited direction.
• Contribute to a variety of research and development efforts while making direct conceptual impacts.
• Collaborate with internal and external organizations to achieve objectives and goals.
• Participate in project planning, execution, and reporting for projects with a strong emphasis on mechanical behavior studies of materials, design and development activities, advanced manufacturing of materials, or other programmatic goals.
• Develop mechanical testing techniques and methods to measure the response of alloy components under complex loading conditions, including interacting with program scientists and engineers to understand technical requirements and providing oversight to engineering associates and technologists who perform mechanical tests.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of new capabilities and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or an active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with a background in solid mechanics, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
• Comprehensive knowledge of, and experience working in, a mechanical testing environment with mastery of precision measurement tools.
• Proficiency with complex electromechanical and hydraulically operated equipment, including calibration, setup, and test execution.
• Proficiency with data acquisition and analysis, including programming experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of 3D computer-aided drafting (CAD) software (such as SolidWorks or Creo), FEM multiphysics simulations, and engineering stress analysis to evaluate complex loading conditions.
• Broad experience with fixture and tooling design and diagnostic instrumentation for complex mechanical tests, such as strain measurement techniques, displacement sensors, force sensors, temperature sensors, digital image correlation, novel sensors, or related experience.
• Broad experience with Design Reviews and Test Readiness Reviews.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with a background in solid mechanics or equivalent combination of related education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
• Working knowledge of ANSI Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
• Working knowledge of metrology principles and uncertainty analysis.

Pay Range

$146,340 - $185,544 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; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  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 an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire. 

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.

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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.

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