Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Engineer

About the role

We have an opening for a Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Engineer to support established kV and MV radiography capabilities for critical national security applications. In this hands-on role, you will perform NDE inspections, support procedure development, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and X-ray technicians. You will work with X-ray computed tomography, digital radiography, computed radiography, and film radiography while collaborating with engineers, scientists, technicians, and program stakeholders. This position is in the Materials Engineering Division 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.

You will

• Assist with research and development of novel approaches for complex X-ray imaging, ultrasound, optical, and/or microwave characterization, and identify appropriate nondestructive evaluation techniques to address customer inspection needs.
• Support the operation, application, and improvement of existing kV and MV X-ray radiography capabilities at Site 300.
• Assist with planning, executing, analyzing, and documenting inspections using computed tomography (CT), digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR), and film radiography.
• Support procedure development, equipment procurement, hardware troubleshooting, and process improvement.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, X-ray technicians, and facility personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior engineers and X-ray technicians.
• Set technical direction for assigned radiography and nondestructive evaluation activities.
• Lead small teams of engineers and X-ray technicians supporting complex inspections.
• Coordinate multiple tasks, establish priorities, and resolve technical issues.
• Contribute to improvements in Site 300 kV and MV radiography capabilities and inspection processes.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior personnel.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience with X-ray radiography or related nondestructive evaluation technologies.
• Familiarity with kV and/or MV X-ray radiography systems.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following: X-ray computed tomography (CT), digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR), and film radiography.
• Experience supporting, performing, analyzing, or documenting radiographic inspections or experiments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, scientists, technicians, and customers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to manage assigned tasks in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability and willingness to work primarily at Site 300 near Tracy, California, and travel up to 25% to partner NNSA sites.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced experience with X-ray radiography, computed tomography, image analysis, or related NDE methods.
• Experience providing technical direction to engineers or X-ray technicians.
• Experience leading small teams or coordinating complex inspection activities.
• Demonstrated ability to improve established processes and deliver reliable inspection results.
• Experience developing technical procedures, work instructions, or project deliverables.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technical personnel.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

Pay and benefits

Pay Range $146,340 - $222,564 Annually $146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level $175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 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; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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.

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)

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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