Engineering Design Associate

We have an opening for a Engineering Design Associate to support new and on-going experiments and facilities for various programs at LLNL's Site 200 and Site 300 (Tracy, CA). You will provide advanced design and drafting support including electronic and mechanical design, drawing and data management of complex control/diagnostic systems and sub-systems. This position is in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED)/Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) Program supporting the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Principal Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at either the 334.1 or 339.2 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Provide advanced Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical drafting and design support to lead designers, engineering, scientific, and technical staff utilizing knowledge of CAD tools where design parameters and specifications have been established.
• Perform advanced calculations to support technical work using standard engineering formulas.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in pursuit of division and program technical and administrative mission.
• Provide innovative conceptual engineering design and development proposals by preparing or directing initial layouts and checking form, fit, and function. Direct the design of apparatus, equipment, assemblies, facilities, utilities, and systems by interpreting and translating design concepts and layouts for the solution of complex and variable technical problems.
• Participate in the definition of functional requirements, solve complex technical and resource problems, and evaluate alternative design concepts consistent with schedule, cost, and material limitations.
• Provide technical leadership of the engineering design process and ensure the quality of the drawings produced along with adherence to standards.
• Maintain close working relationships with group leaders and program management to ensure timely, cost effective execution of supportive design/drafting services.
• Develop, prepare, present, and participate in required design reviews, reports, procedures, and other communications in support of technical and administrative assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 339.2 level

• Provide highly advanced technical expertise in the areas of applied engineering technology including planning, design, fabrication, project support, testing, and evaluation where the qualitative and quantitative complexity of the project assignment demands original and innovative problem solutions.
• Collaborate on mechanical and/or electrical design solutions and modifications with high level technical personnel and senior engineering staff at the division and department level management or equivalent.
• Exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion in directing and guiding engineering personnel and Division staff to fulfill programmatic design assignments.

Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation), * Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.

• Significant experience with the application of nuclear weapons technical business practices and product definition.
• Advanced design skills and knowledge of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing and its applications, standard drafting practices, and manufacturing processes.
• Advanced written and verbal communication, feedback, and presentation skills necessary to represent the Division and Program at meetings, briefings, and committee activities both internal and external to the Laboratory and interact with people at all levels.
• Experience in formal design reviews and technical presentations.
• Experience using PTC Creo and Windchill Product Lifecycle Management software., * Extensive experience in projecting complete design cycle function time for multi-disciplined projects and making independent fundamental decisions regarding variable technical problems, and ability to meet project requirements and deadlines.
• Extensive experience in the application of highly advanced ASME Y14.5 concepts in defining unusual geometrical requirements and in applying advanced drafting practices and fabrication techniques.
• Highly advanced knowledge of additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, welding and leak detection methods, material selection for design and manufacture, mechanics of materials, Finite Element Analysis using CREO Simulate, Engineering Design and Safety Standards., * Extensive experience using advanced PTC Creo design modules, including Cabling, Sheetmetal, Surfacing, Rendering, Animation and Mechanism. Experience using CREO Schematics for parametric harness design.
• Experience using Enterprise Lifecycle Management (ELM) software.
• Experience in design of weapon systems, components, and related diagnostic and testing equipment.

$125,310 - $185,640 Annually

$125,310 - $153,444 Annually for the 334.1 level $151,620 - $185,640 Annually for the 339.2 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

Site 300

Site 300 is an experimental test site operated by LLNL. Situated on 7,000 acres in rural foothills approximately six miles southwest of downtown Tracy and 15 miles southeast of Livermore, Site 300 hosts approximately 200 employees with expertise in such fields as engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental restoration. Employees assigned to work at Site 300 may be exposed to the organism that causes San Joaquin Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis).

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.