Firing Systems Design and Testing Engineer

We have an opening for a Firing Systems Design and Testing Engineer in the Initiation Systems Group (ISG). ISG specializes in the design, development, and testing of advanced initiation systems for high-explosive applications. Our team designs and tests precision detonators, firesets, and firing systems, leveraging pulsed power technologies to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performance initiation of energetic materials. ISG plays a critical role in advancing national security through innovation in explosive initiation science and technology. In this role you will provide highly advanced technical and administrative expertise and leadership for new and ongoing projects. You will oversee firing system assembly, design, research, and testing using advanced manufacturing and diagnostic techniques for scientific and defense applications. Travel in support of programmatic deliverables is required. This position is in Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) and supports the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Program.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

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 

• With minimal direction, take responsibility and apply comprehensive knowledge and judgement to:
  • Establish objectives,
  • Prioritize parallel tasks
  • Allocate resources
  • Collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Assist in maintaining and ensuring quality standards for deliverables, publications, and presentations.
• Support team members’ skills to successfully complete complex projects, by ensuring excellence in execution of technical work in the program.
• Utilize existing work, internal resources, and partnerships to develop innovative capabilities to increase the impact of LLNL and lead the development of project portfolios.
• Conduct formal and informal design reviews and team efforts and provide guidance and technical direction in developing moderately complex pulsed power systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level 

• Provide advanced knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues, using the broad application of technical concepts and techniques.
• Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs in support of on-going projects that require in-depth analysis and the creative use of established or innovative methods.
• Coordinate project interfaces and deployment interfacing with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory and represent the organization as the primary technical contact on tasks and projects.
• Lead and/or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams in a growing, dynamic environment.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Broad experience in pulsed power engineering and design. Experience in pulsed power experimental test set up and in collection, analysis, and documentation of engineering and/or scientific data.
• Experience in designing and testing high voltage systems and diagnostics.
• Broad experience developing and implementing creative solutions to a diverse range of moderately complex problems..
• Experience interacting, cooperating, and advising with all levels of technical staff, managers, and vendors.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering design and engineering drawings, including geometric tolerancing and dimensioning, knowledge of machining processes, mechanical fabrication and assembly, materials properties and manufacturing methods.
• Broad experience managing projects with a high consequence of error with regard to safety.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level 

• Advanced knowledge of engineering hardware design, fabrication, or testing processes and the ability to meet schedule and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities.
• Ability to lead, manage, and mentor junior team members.
• Advanced communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner, both verbal and written for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members, and provide advice to management

Qualifications We Desire

• An active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Master’s degree in Pulsed Power or Electrical Engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Knowledge of electro-static discharge (ESD) controls and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
• Experience with system level design, architecting and project management.
• Significant experience with complex technical project management including the use of Gannt charts and/or systems engineering.

Pay Range

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

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