Applications Operations Engineer

Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation) Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana), We have openings for multiple Applications Operations Engineers (AppOps Engineers) to support the Strategic Deterrence Applications (SD Apps) organization. As part of a team of developers, engineers, and other technical staff, you will have primary responsibility for the configuration, administration, operational maintenance, and professional support of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom-developed enterprise application software in close collaboration with professional IT staff. These positions are in the Applications, Simulation, and Quality Division within the Computing Directorate.

These positions will be filled at the SES.2 or SES.3 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 solution architects and software engineers to select and implement solution components and software deployment models for COTS and custom-developed enterprise application software.
• Deploy, update, administer, and maintain operations of enterprise applications for a diverse, multi-disciplinary customer base.
• Configure server operating systems and application software parameters, perform application security hardening, integrate with infrastructure services (such as database, authentication, logging, and monitoring services), and develop scripts to automate execution of these tasks.
• Establish and maintain database connections and integrations with other enterprise applications, services, and troubleshoot related technical problems.
• Manage application upgrade schedules, track complex system dependencies and cybersecurity requirements, negotiate downtime with stakeholders, and perform related integration and functional testing.
• Implement and configure application monitoring, analyze and address related performance and security issues, including vulnerability remediation as required.
• Work with database administrators, system administrators, platform engineering staff, and professional IT staff to develop and implement approaches to improve operational efficiency and compliance.
• Provide Tier 2 applications support (description below) for applications support staff and systems, database, and/or application administrators as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Manage complex integrations with enterprise identity management, authentication, authorization, and auditing services; provide comprehensive Tier 3 applications support and consult with Tier 4 support as needed.
• Design and implement custom features and modules to extend application functions using established APIs and/or API gateways.
• Provide technical guidance and knowledge transfer to supporting staff on domain applications, including troubleshooting methodologies, system configurations, and operational best practices to build team capability and reduce knowledge gaps.

Standard Tiered Support Model

• Tier 1: Handles basic user issues and routine troubleshooting. Often procedural and documented support.
• Tier 2: Addresses more complex technical problems and provides advanced support. Requires deeper product and system knowledge.
• Tier 3: Manages challenging application issues and major integrations. Often requires deep business and application domain knowledge
• Tier 4: Consults with other technical/domain experts or external vendors as needed to address specialized technical challenges., * Business Operations (5)
• Craft and Skilled Trades (4)
• Engineering (85)
• Environmental, Safety & Health (10)
• Executive (1)
• Faculty (1)
• Finance & Accounting (1)
• Information Technology/Computing (13)
• Legal (1)
• Physical Life Sciences (7)
• Postdoctoral/Fellowship (8)
• Security (4)
• Students (3), * Chief Financial Officer (1)
• Computing (14)
• ESH and Quality (10)
• Engineering (84)
• Global Security (1)
• Infrastructure and Operations (4)
• NIF and Photon Science (1)
• Office of the Director (9)
• Physical and Life Sciences (12)
• Project Management Office (3)
• Security Organization (3)
• Strategic Deterrence (2)

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Comprehensive analytical troubleshooting and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to independently triage and resolve complex technical problems, while managing competing priorities.
• Proficient interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, necessary to effectively collaborate as part of a cohesive, multi-disciplinary team.
• Broad and in-depth knowledge of, and hands-on experience with, deploying and maintaining enterprise applications on Windows and/or Linux, in bare-metal and/or virtualized environments.
• Comprehensive experience with a range of modern computing technologies and practices, including high-level programming and scripting languages and their frameworks (such as Python, PowerShell, Bash, and YAML), SQL and/or NoSQL databases, and common IDEs, with the ability to apply these skills in Agile and/or waterfall environments to write scripts that automate complex tasks.
• Broad experience developing and curating technical knowledge base content, including step-by-step how to guides and standard operating procedures, with sound judgment in tailoring guidance and training to the differences, constraints, and risks of hybrid environments and mixed security networks.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced experience identifying application security gaps and supporting the implementation of application hardening solutions, helping ensure application components align with security and compliance baselines such as CIS Benchmarks, DISA STIGs, and established vulnerability management practices.
• Significant experience configuring COTS applications for use with SSO and knowledge of Identity and Access Management standards and protocols, such as SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect (OIDC).
• Significant experience leading and documenting independent work, advising management on topics like process improvement and industry best practices. Demonstrated advanced communication skills needed to partner with stakeholders in architecting, delivering, and supporting COTS-based and custom developed solutions., * Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.
• Significant experience supporting enterprise applications in a fast-paced operations environment, including but not limited to product data/lifecycle management, requirements management, schedule management, and enterprise risk management applications, business intelligence and analytics, data virtualization, and visualization tools.
• Familiarity with application containerization and/or relevant professional technical certifications.

$146,340 - $185,544 Yearly at the SES.2 level

$175,530 - $222,564 Yearly at the SES.3 level, * 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

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.