Principal Mechanical Engineer

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

$214,470 - $271,980 Annual (TSS.5)

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we believe 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. This job is hybrid. On-site presence is required 3 days a week or more when required.

We have an opening for a licensed Mechanical Engineer who will lead the mechanical design and engineering group. You will also be responsible for preparing engineered design solutions for LLNL's mechanical infrastructure, building systems (HVAC, piping, plumbing and fire protection), building automation and DDC control systems, energy management, laboratory design, and central plant-type equipment in support of projects associated with new construction, remodeling, and modifications of facilities and infrastructure. This position is in the Project Management Office (PMO).

The Project Management Office (PMO) provides LLNL with engineering, design, estimating, construction, and project management services. The PMO provides infrastructure services to enable cutting-edge research and development in the areas of defense technologies, global security, laser science, bioscience, and more. PMO offers cradle to grave infrastructure services to achieve reliable delivery of completed projects with priority on safety, collaboration, and a workforce working toward our shared vision.

You will:

• Manage and supervise the mechanical engineering group (currently 3 staff members). This includes performance management, assigning work, professional development, mentoring, and recruiting.
• Serve as technical authority, exercising independent judgement and initiative in reviewing documents prepared by staff, ensuring quality and compliance. Maintain master specifications, design standards, typical details, and design criteria for the mechanical group. Provide solutions to highly unusual and complex issues and problems.
• Lead multiple complex internal mechanical, technical/operational projects. Responsible for the development and compliance with technical criteria, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and direct the work of mechanical designers and drafters preparing models and drawings in AutoCAD and Revit for projects.
• Prepare designs and engineering studies for conventional mechanical equipment and components in complex building environments supporting highly advanced research activities. Projects include design for the installation of air handling equipment, fume hoods, boilers, chillers, DDC control systems, pumps and filter systems, plumbing, fire protection. Also, complex mechanical systems in specialized research facilities such as clean rooms, high performance computing facilities, bio-safety labs, semiconductor and electronics fabrication labs, non-reactor nuclear facilities, and laser research facilities.
• Prepare procurement documents for the subcontracting of outside consultant. architectural/engineering (A/E) services to supplement internal engineering capability. Manage the outside A/E contracts, including project scopes, technical criteria, engineering estimates and schedules.
• Partner with mechanical supply vendors to select, specify, and procure mechanical components utilized in designs.
• Provide guidance and engineering support during construction by reviewing submittals and shop drawings, responding to contractor questions, evaluating change order requests, observing field activities, resolving field problems, and performing inspections. Support management in attracting and retaining projects, funding and organizational staff.
• Provide field engineering services for LLNL maintenance workers, and field crews by helping to coordinate the selection, procurement, and delivery of construction materials, resolving field questions and conflicts, and performing field observation and inspections.
• Engage with Sr. Management and stakeholders representing the PMO within LLNL as the technical authority for mechanical systems design processes and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Relevant bachelor's degree in a technical area or the equivalent combination of education and extensive related experience.
• Professional registration as a Mechanical Engineer.
• At least ten years of mechanical engineering design experience in an architectural/engineering consulting firm. Significant experience in design management, including project planning, scheduling, professional services estimates, and adherence to completion dates.
• Experience in a technical leadership role in mechanical design projects with technical, analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to organize and effectively coordinate multiple and frequently conflicting tasks. Expert verbal and written communication skills to collaborate in a team environment and present technical information to project managers and stakeholders.
• Significant experience and expert knowledge of the professional practice of commercial, industrial, and laboratory facility mechanical engineering and construction in areas such as HVAC system design, piping system analysis and pump selection, fire sprinkler system design, process piping for various industrial and laboratory gasses and fluids, building automation and control systems, and LEED/sustainable design practices.
• Significant experience with mechanical system testing and balancing and/or commissioning.
• Significant experience with mechanical engineering design software for building modeling such as heat load and psychometric analysis, HVAC system modeling, energy management, and/or pipe flow analysis.
• Expert Knowledge of California Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24), Fire Code (NFPA 1), Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13), AWWA Standards, ASHRAE Standards such as Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (Standard 62.1), and Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (Standard 90.1).
• Advanced software skills that include AutoCAD and Revit to prepare design drawings, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired Qualifications

• Membership in professional organizations such as ASHRAE, ASME, etc.
• USGBC LEED AP certification
• Knowledge of applicable DOE Orders and Federal Standards

#LI-Hybrid

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!
• 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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

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.

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.

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 here.