Senior Systems Project Engineer

About the role

We are seeking Senior Systems Project Engineers to lead innovative engineering projects in advanced laser systems, optomechanical systems, electomechanical systems, and high-power technologies. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise to design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge systems and components for scientific, defense, and industrial applications.

You will work on projects that require diverse engineering expertise, including systems engineering, computational simulation, precision design, advanced manufacturing, prototype development, and rigorous testing. This is an opportunity to work on impactful projects that push the boundaries of engineering and technology in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate and support National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) / Light Matter and Fusion (LMF) projects.

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.

In this role, you will

• Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to contribute to the development and guide the completion of project goals.
• Lead and guide technical teams to define, develop, and deliver critical systems and components while ensuring alignment with project schedules and budgets.
• Develop solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Manage project schedules and budgets, and oversee execution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Train, mentor, and coach team members, assisting in fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Prepare, deliver, and explain written and verbal presentations of technical work to stakeholders, including providing advice to management.
• Maintain and ensure quality standards for all deliverables and leverage team skills to successfully complete complex projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Operate under consultative direction with substantial authority, using in-depth analysis and subject matter expertise in highly advanced concepts to resolve a diverse range of highly complex problems, independently determine strategies, modify approaches, and pursue actions that impact operations or directions and achieve long-term project goals.
• Utilize existing resources and partnerships to develop innovative capabilities and expand the impact of projects.
• Collaborate with sponsors, customers, and industry partners to address needs and drive project success.
• Establish project vision and strategy and influence technical direction to drive successful outcomes for deliverables.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a relevant technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience in an engineering relevant discipline with experience in project planning and technical leadership.
• Experience developing and implementing solutions to complex technical problems, including applying technical best practices, theories, concepts, and techniques.
• Advanced verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.
• Experience interacting and coordinating activities and objectives with multiple levels of technical staff, managers, stakeholders, vendors, and industry partners.
• Ability to lead and manage small and multidisciplinary teams.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Significant and expert level experience in the application and development of technical industry best practices in an innovative and creative fashion.
• Significant expertise and demonstrated ability in leading diverse, highly technical teams to successfully execute defined projects.
• Significant experience with advanced level project planning and execution of work.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain, influence, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in engineering, physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience in leading complex engineering projects.
• Certification in Project Management, such as PMP or Systems Engineering certification.
• Successful examples of delivery of innovative solutions, including expertise in systems engineering, precision design, and/or advanced manufacturing techniques.

Pay and benefits

Pay Range $175.530 - $267,030 Annually $175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level $210,630 - $267,030 Annually for the SES.4 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. 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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