Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States' security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

Pay Range

$39.98 - $49.65 Hourly for the 533.2 level

$47.93 - $59.49 Hourly for the 533.3 level

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

We have an opening for a Metallographer Tech/Sr. Tech (Mechanical Technologist/Senior Technologist)in the Materials and NDE Section. You will support ongoing programmatic activities independently and working with engineers/scientists/technical staff to provide technical support for characterizing a wide variety of materials using optical microscopy, established surface techniques, and measurement of microstructural features. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, sample preparation, digital optical microscopy, hardness testing, and other techniques for a variety of metal alloys and other materials. This position is in the Material Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate.

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

• Provide general technical support applying fundamental knowledge of fabrication, assembly, installation, and system operation under general supervision.
• Work with chemicals (etchants, solvents, embedding resins), metallographic lab equipment (microscopes, precision saws, polishers), and various alloys.
• Use various machine tools, power tools, and hand tool operations.
• Provide general technical support in sample preparation and sample analysis.
• Acquire and analyze data and provide solutions and alternate approaches to moderately complex mechanical problems using individual creativity and judgment.
• Maintain documentation of systems and experimental records.
• Follow written, operational, and safety procedures.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with safety and security requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 533.3 level

• Provide advanced technical support applying fundamental knowledge of fabrication, assembly, installation, and system operation under minimal supervision.
• Regular, independent interaction with project leads, scientists, engineers, and technical personnel.
• Identify, evaluate, and analyze requirements and processes.
• Solve complex mechanical and operational problems.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in engineering, mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing technology, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in metallurgical sample preparation techniques including mounting, sectioning, fine polishing, and etching.
• Experience making independent decisions regarding variable moderately complex technical problems.
• Demonstrated proficient written and verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, handle conflicting tasks, and interact effectively with team members.
• Experience with personal computers and associated software (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Additional qualifications at the 533.3 level

• Advanced knowledge of general manufacturing techniques.
• Significant experience operating and maintaining conventional and NC equipment.
• Experience with complex mechanical fabrication and assembly.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiar with advanced optical microscopy techniques such as polarized light, differential interference, contrast techniques, and confocal microscopes.
• Familiar with image analysis techniques, grainsize determinations, measurement methods for determining phase fractions.
• Knowledge of material processes including welding.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit
• Our core beliefs - visit
• Employee engagement - visit

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams:

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.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

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 to submit a request.

CaliforniaPrivacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed .