Senior Optomechanical Engineer

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.

We have an opening for a Senior Optomechanical Engineer for space applications. You will contribute to thedevelopment of next-generation large-aperture space telescopes, optical payloads, andprecision optical systems supporting U.S. national security andscientific missions. This role focuses on optomechanicaldesign, precision mechanisms, structural andthermal performance, and integration of optical systems into spacecraft environments.You will collaborate with engineers, scientists, physicists, andexternal partners todevelop innovative optical systems for challenging operational environments. This position is in the Optomechanical Systems Engineering Group within the National Security EngineeringDivision (NSED), EngineeringDirectorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

This position will be filled at either level based on the candidate's knowledge, skills, 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

• Design andanalyze complex precision optomechanical assemblies, structures, mounts, andmechanisms for space-basedoptical systems.
• Perform optomechanicaldesign of telescope andpayloadsubsystems including mirrors, lenses, mounts, alignment features, andsupporting structures.
• Develop analytical andnumerical models to evaluate structural, thermal,dynamic, andstability performance.
• Apply precision engineering methodologies including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal stability assessment, kinematicdesign, and metrology planning.
• Evaluate system performance through integratedoptical andmechanical analyses andcollaborate with optical engineers to assessdesign sensitivities.
• Support integration andtesting activities including alignment planning, test fixturedevelopment, verification planning, andperformance assessment.
• Serve as a technical point of contact and communicate technical results through reports, presentations,design reviews, andsponsor interactions.
• Contribute to proposaldevelopment, technical planning, andrisk reduction activities.
• Perform otherduties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Leadthedevelopment of optomechanical architectures andtechnical solutions for highly complex optical andspaceflight systems.
• Direct environmental verification andqualification activities including vibration, thermal-vacuum, andperformance testing of precision optical hardware.
• Establish technical approaches, influence projectdirection, andprovide technical leadershipduringdesign reviews andsponsor engagements.

• Ability to obtain andmaintain a U.S.DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor'sdegree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, AppliedPhysics, or a relatedfield, or the equivalent combination of education andrelatedexperience.
• Advancedknowledge of optomechanical engineering principles, concepts, andpractices.
• Significant experience in precision mechanical andoptomechanical systemdesign.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using mechanicaldesign tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using structural andthermal analysis tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, or equivalent software.
• Advancedknowledge of precision engineering methods including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal stability analysis, andmetrology planning.
• Experience collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Advancedverbal andwritten communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment andpresent technical information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expert knowledge of optomechanicaldesign for highly complex optical or spaceflight systems.
• Demonstratedability to independently leaddevelopment efforts involving advancedprecision optical andmechanical technologies.
• Experience providing technical leadership, influencing projectdirection, and advising management, sponsors, andreview boards.

Qualifications WeDesire

• Master'sdegree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, AppliedPhysics, or a relatedtechnicaldiscipline.
• Experiencedesigning optical instrumentation, telescopes, or spaceflight payloads.
• Experience with optical integration andtest activities, optical metrology, environmental testing, andspace hardwaredevelopment.
• Familiarity with active optics, adaptive optics, precision actuation systems, or wavefront control technologies.

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.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• 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

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.

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Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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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