W87-1 Modification Program Joint Test Assembly (JTA) Team Mechatronics Engineer – Active Security Clearance Required

We have multiple openings for Mechatronics Engineers for the W87-1 Modernization Program Joint Test Assembly (JTA) team. The JTA Nuclear Explosive Package (NEP) Electronics Product Realization Team (PRT) is looking for mechanical and electrical engineers with a background in both disciplines to mature and optimize instrumentation design architecture. This includes ensuring unique sensors measure data per requirements, interface with the on-board data acquisition module and firmware, and are mechanically survivable. You will work with a team of mechanical and electrical engineers to realize the instrumentation package for use in JTA flight assets. These positions will be in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED), within the Engineering Directorate. DTED supports the Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) Program within Strategic Deterrence (SD).

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. 

These positions 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

• Collaborate with team members to support and contribute to the design, development, and delivery of assigned components.
• Participate in defining requirements, performing schedule and resource planning, and identifying and managing risks.
• Work in conjunction with team members to lead the characterization and qualification of a unique sensor package within the JTA NEP, including validating conceptual design with reliable, repeatable measurement accuracy and precision.
• Define production acceptance requirements, and interface with Production Agency (PA) partners to integrate their concerns and constraints and resolve issues.
• Utilize comprehensive engineering knowledge and understanding of product realization processes to generate, release, and mature design definition.
• Perform independent technical tasks to provide solutions for a diverse range of moderate to complex issues that require the creative use of established or innovative methods.
• Select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to obtain results based on analysis of multiple, largely identifiable factors.
• Travel occasionally to support programmatic deliverables.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level 

• Utilize advanced level engineering knowledge and significant experience to resolve complex technical and programmatic issues, employing a high level of application and development of technical concepts and techniques.
• Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs in support of on-going projects that require in-depth analysis and collaborate in the related development of innovative methods or technology.
• Coordinate project interfaces and deployment by interacting  with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory and representing 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.
• Support the development, methods, resource needs, priorities, progress, and completion of project and organizational goals, providing recommendations and advice to project leadership as necessary.

• 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 the time of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and previous experience and proficiency with engineering hardware design, fabrication, or testing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully perform independent work with limited direction, respond to changing urgencies, and keep management informed, while meeting schedule and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, with proven ability to present and explain technical information, concepts, and ideas in a clear and coherent manner.
• Ability to travel.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level 

• Advanced leadership skills and significant experience leading, supervising, and providing guidance and mentoring to team members in a technical environment.
• Significant experience successfully managing, overseeing, and delivering multiple projects, including demonstrated ability and flexibility in reprioritizing and changing programmatic direction depending on emergent requests.
• Advanced communication, facilitation, negotiation, and collaboration skills, necessary to present, explain, mediate, compromise, and advise program management and/or external stakeholders.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced level knowledge of and significant experience with nuclear warhead engineering, systems, and design.
• Advanced level knowledge of product realization processes and issues pertaining to the Production Agencies across the Nuclear Security Enterprise.

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 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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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