Company Description
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 dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.
Pay Range
$120,510 - $147,564 Annually
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.
Job Description
We have an opening for a
Mechanical Engineering Technical Associate in the Operations Technical Support group, supporting the Micro & Nano Technology Section. This role requires a highly skilled professional with a strong background in semiconductor equipment, advanced troubleshooting, and technical expertise. The ideal candidate will provide expert technical support, resolve complex system issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system performance and customer satisfaction. You might be involved in overseeing the development of written documentation. You may have ES&H technical lead or supervisory authority and must be able to follow strict safety requirements. You will routinely interact with professional colleagues, research scientists, technicians, external equipment suppliers, and upper-level management across the laboratory. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies while mentoring and guiding team members to solve challenging technical problems. This position is in the
Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the
Engineering Directorate.
In This Role, You Will
- Apply expert-level and innovative technical expertise to the evaluation, operation, and maintenance of complex to highly complex systems, including diagnostics, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
- Develop original solutions to complex, unique, and challenging technical problems, determine appropriate work methods, and establish priorities to meet programmatic requirements using independent discretion and judgment.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve escalated technical issues and ensure optimal system performance.
- Lead system installations, upgrades, and preventive maintenance to maximize uptime and efficiency.
- Analyze process variable data logs and system documentation to develop innovative solutions for technical challenges.
- Author, critically review, and oversee the development of various technical reports, documentation, and training materials using complex data analysis interpretation and skills.
- Work on multiple projects, including planning and resource allocation.
- Mentor and train team members in advanced troubleshooting techniques and system diagnostics.
- Represent the organization in technical discussions with customers and external collaborators.
- Work with hazardous materials (e.g., radioactive substances, beryllium, gases and chemicals). Ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, addressing high-consequence errors when necessary, and maintain a safe, clean, and functional laboratory environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (electronics, mechanical, industrial, or a related field) or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field.
- Advanced-level knowledge, skills, and experience in semiconductor equipment engineering, technical support, or a related technical field.
- Significant hands-on experience with semiconductor systems, including Etch, Deposition, and Photolithography equipment.
- Strong expertise and significant experience in solving complex technical problems, specifically advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and remote diagnostics.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a key member within a team in a multi-disciplinary engineering environment, as well as to mentor and guide technical teams.
- Advanced written, verbal, feedback, and presentation communication skills, with a proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and articulate manner.
Qualifications We Desire
- Proficiency in Etch systems (e.g., Applied Materials, SPTS, Tegal) and Deposition systems (e.g., Endura PVD, Sigma PVD).
- Experience with Photolithography systems (e.g., Ultratech, GCA Steppers, Nikon aligners).
- Strong project coordination skills, including program support for fab builds and equipment installations.
- Expertise in technical documentation, reporting, and customer relationship management.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to solve complex system issues.
Additional Information
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
- Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
- Flexible Benefits Package
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
- Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
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.
Pre-Placement Medical Exam
A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
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: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
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.
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 online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job 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 here.
