Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Engineering Technical Associate/Senior Engineering Associate - High Explosives A

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory · Livermore, CA, United States
Livermore, CA, United States $125K–$185K Posted 2026-07-01
Salary
$125K–$185K
Type
Full-time
Experience
3+ yr

We have an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate/Senior Engineering Associate to support the High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF) as the Gun Bay Lead for various research guns (gas, powder, pneumatic, etc.) utilized in shock physics based research and development activities. You will collaborate with engineers and physicists to provide advanced technical logistics support for experiments.  You will lead a team of technicians and systems operators providing operations and maintenance support for the various guns in HEAF. This position is based in Livermore within the Gun Bay at HEAF. This position is in the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

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:

  • Work with Principal Investigators to define experimental gun operational needs and technical requirements.
  • Provide technical expertise to plan and schedule activities to implement and execute experiments on various gun platforms.
  • Define, organize, and manage processes for gun operations and maintenance.
  • Manage the technical activities of an operational team(s) across multiple organizations.
  • Review and/or perform gun loading calculations and system configuration.
  • Compose reports, create presentations, and collaborate on analysis reports.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 339.2 level

  • Make frequent decisions using a high degree of independent discretion and judgment to create and implement original solutions.
  • Lead engineering technical staff and provide highly advanced mechanical/electronic support and hands-on operations through the design and assembly of highly complex components and systems based upon specifications from engineers, physicists, or facility personnel.
  • Develop project planning and budgeting, maintain schedules, propose procurement activities, and implement original solutions to establish guidelines.
  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering Technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related technical discipline.
  • Experience working on and with research guns (pneumatic, powder, 2 stage gas/powder).
  • Experience with small arms and reloading.
  • Experience providing technical direction to others, leading and/or supervising personnel in laboratory and operations settings.
  • Advanced knowledge in engineering design, fabrication, and assembly techniques.
  • Experience conducting and/or participating in design reviews/pre-shot meetings.
  • Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to qualify as a High-Explosive (HE) Handler and/or qualify to work with radioactive materials or systems.

Additional qualifications at the 339.2 level

  • Experience with highly advanced fabrication and assembly techniques directly applicable to material, components, systems, and/or equipment.
  • Experience with project planning, budgeting, and/or resource planning.
  • Experience leading a technical team.

Qualifications We Desire

  • Experience handling explosives, gun propellant and reloading equipment.
  • Experience optimizing large gun operational parameters to acquire scientific data.
  • Knowledgeable in pressure and vacuum systems.

Pay Range

$125,310 - $185,640 Annually

$125,310 - $153,444 Annually for the 337.1 level

$151,620 - $185,640 Annually for the 339.2 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.

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.

#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.

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 .

$110K — 10th pctl $265K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $155K vs. market median $185K for Engineering roles
-15%
below median
Based on 14,000+ Engineering roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Defense Tech · Government · Livermore, USA

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