Communications Specialist, Strategic Deterrence

LLNL has an opening for a Technical Information Department (TID) Communications Specialist to provide matrix support to the Laboratory’s Strategic Deterrence (SD) Principal Directorate office.  

In this unique mission-driven and multidisciplinary environment, you will work with all levels of administrative, management, and technical staff to communicate complex science and technology information to a wide range of audiences. This will require you to collaborate often within your communications team and alongside highly respected scientists, engineers, and experts all committed to the Laboratory’s important national security mission.

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we believe 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.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

You will

• Plan, coordinate, and/or develop content, provide research, writing, and editing services for the full spectrum of communications services (e.g., editing and writing for external reviews, stakeholder briefings, reports, news, and multimedia assets, including web content).
• Interpret complex technical information with the help of subject matter experts and translate it into clear, accurate, relevant, and compelling language appropriate to the targeted audience(s) across various communications products.
• Participate in all aspects of print and web-based publishing from concept through scheduling, writing, editing, review, production, and/or publishing and adhere to style guides and standards for communication products.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the G04.4 level:

• Oversee all aspects of print and web-based publishing from concept through scheduling, writing, editing, review, production, and/or publishing; serve as final quality check; review work of team members and provide technical guidance to less-experienced peers.
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new tools, technologies, and processes; help develop metrics and process improvement methods; may represent organization on working groups or committees.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s Degree in English, communications, journalism, or a scientific area, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in strategic and executive communications across various types of communication platforms.
• Knowledge of and experience using style conventions, professional principles, and technical communication practices and standards; may have experience with web production tools.
• Project management experience leading complex production and editorial assignments; in-depth knowledge of multiple digital and analog media production processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, and Confluence.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills and experience collaborating and communicating with all levels of an organization, including senior managers, clients, team members, peers, and stakeholders to meet organizational objectives and ability to handle sensitive or restricted documents and information.
• Self-starter, comfortable multitasking with ability to work to deadlines and respond to tight, shifting schedules, including effective interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

Additional qualifications at the G04.4 level: 

• Significant experience leading complex multi-functional technical communication projects and teams with multiple technical groups to translate and develop communication materials that are easily understood by various customers, including establishing team commitments of cost, schedule, and quality.
• Expert written and verbal communication skills and experience managing multiple, large technical writing and production assignments and collaborating and communicating with all levels of an organization, including senior managers and other technical contributors.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience using style conventions, professional editing/writing skills in a wide variety of scientific areas and experience working with highly visible and sensitive technical content.
• Expertise in the theory and techniques of high-quality technical communication for both printed and web-based publications.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced degree in English, communications, journalism, or in a scientific area.
• Current U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance or equivalent.
• Thorough understanding of LLNL’s primary mission.
• Knowledge of the current U.S. nuclear weapons programs and/or the underpinning science and capabilities that support the Nation’s nuclear deterrent.

Pay Range

$114,900 - $140,712 Annually for the G04.3 level
$137,910 - $168,852 Annually for the G04.4 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; 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-Hybrid

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.

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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.