Engineering Technical Associate/Senior Engineering Associate - High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF) Gun Bay Lead

We have an opening for an Engineering Technical Associate/Senior Engineering Associate to support the High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF) as the Gun Bay Lead for various research guns (gas, powder, pneumatic, etc.) utilized in shock physics based research and development activities. You will collaborate with engineers and physicists to provide advanced technical logistics support for experiments. You will lead a team of technicians and systems operators providing operations and maintenance support for the various guns in HEAF. This position is based in Livermore within the Gun Bay at HEAF. This position is in the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

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

This position will be filled at eitherlevel 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 Principal Investigators to define experimental gun operational needs and technical requirements.
• Provide technical expertise to plan and schedule activities to implement and execute experiments on various gun platforms.
• Define, organize, and manage processes for gun operations and maintenance.
• Manage the technical activities of an operational team(s) across multiple organizations.
• Review and/or perform gun loading calculations and system configuration.
• Compose reports, create presentations, and collaborate on analysis reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 339.2 level

• Make frequent decisions using a high degree of independent discretion and judgment to create and implement original solutions.
• Lead engineering technical staff and provide highly advanced mechanical/electronic support and hands-on operations through the design and assembly of highly complex components and systems based upon specifications from engineers, physicists, or facility personnel.
• Develop project planning and budgeting, maintain schedules, propose procurement activities, and implement original solutions to establish guidelines.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’sdegree in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering Technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related technical discipline.
• Experience working on and with research guns (pneumatic, powder, 2 stage gas/powder).
• Experience with small arms and reloading.
• Experience providing technical direction to others, leading and/or supervising personnel in laboratory and operations settings.
• Advanced knowledge in engineering design, fabrication, and assembly techniques.
• Experience conducting and/or participating in design reviews/pre-shot meetings.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to qualify as a High-Explosive (HE) Handler and/or qualify to work with radioactive materials or systems.

Additional qualifications at the 339.2 level

• Experience with highly advanced fabrication and assembly techniques directly applicable to material, components, systems, and/or equipment.
• Experience with project planning, budgeting, and/or resource planning.
• Experience leading a technical team.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience handling explosives, gun propellant and reloading equipment.
• Experience optimizing large gun operational parameters to acquire scientific data.
• Knowledgeable in pressure and vacuum systems.

$125,310 - $185,640 Annually

$125,310 - $153,444 Annually for the 337.1 level

$151,620 - $185,640 Annually for the 339.2 level, * Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!

• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://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.