Autonomous Sensors Mechanical Engineer

Company Description

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.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineer to support the Autonomous Sensors Group within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED). The group develops advanced sensing technologies and integrated systems to enable mission-critical capabilities across a wide range of national security applications.  The team focuses on the design and deployment of multistatic, ultra-wideband sensing systems featuring modular, scalable architectures and compact form factors. These systems enable real-time data acquisition, imaging, and detection, paired with intuitive visualization tools to support rapid operator understanding and decision-making. Solutions are designed to operate across multiple platforms, including mobile and autonomous systems, and are adaptable to a wide range of operational environments and mission needs.

This role focuses on the mechanical design, integration, and deployment of ruggedized sensing systems operating in dynamic and austere environments. You will contribute to the development of modular hardware architectures, packaging solutions, and platform integration strategies that enable mobile, distributed sensing and real-time data delivery. Periodic field work and travel (approximately 2–4 weeks per year) will be required to support system integration and testing.  This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering 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.

In this role, you will

• Design, develop, and support mechanical systems and hardware for advanced sensing platforms, including sensor arrays and modular enclosures.
• Integrate mechanical subsystems into mobile and autonomous platforms operating in laboratory and field environments.
• Perform analysis, testing, and evaluation of mechanical designs to ensure performance, durability, and environmental robustness.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop integrated sensing solutions.
• Develop mechanical designs, models, and documentation to support system development and deployment.
• Support prototyping, fabrication, and assembly of hardware systems for laboratory and field use.
• Execute field testing activities, including system setup, troubleshooting, and data collection.
• Document designs, analyses, and test results to support program deliverables and milestones.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Independently design and develop moderately complex mechanical systems and subsystems for sensing platforms.
• Lead integration of mechanical components across subsystems and contribute to system-level performance optimization.
• Apply engineering judgment to evaluate design trade-offs and recommend solutions to moderately complex technical challenges.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, including design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience using SolidWorks or similar CAD software for mechanical design.
• Ability to apply standard engineering techniques to solve well-defined technical problems.
• Sufficient written and verbal communication skills to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to work under general direction in a dynamic, team-based research and development environment.
• Ability to travel to support offsite field work.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Comprehensive knowledge and broad application of mechanical engineering principles to solve moderately complex problems for sensing platforms.
• Experience independently designing and developing mechanical systems for real-world or fielded applications, including consideration of environmental constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to work under limited direction and exercise independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
• Experience contributing to multidisciplinary system integration efforts and providing technical input to design trade studies and performance optimization.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with sensor systems, RF hardware packaging, or integrated hardware platforms.
• Experience designing modular or scalable hardware systems.
• Familiarity with autonomous or unmanned systems (e.g., ground or aerial platforms).
• Experience supporting field testing, deployment, or prototype development in operational environments.
• Knowledge of operational environments requiring robust, ruggedized, and deployable engineering solutions.

Pay Range

$121,830 - $185,544 Annually

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.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.

Additional Information

#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.

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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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