Nuclear Facility Industrial Controls Cognizant Systems Engineer

Company Description

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.

Job Description

We have multiple openings for a Nuclear Facility Industrial Controls Cognizant Systems Engineer to provide engineering expertise to ensure continued operational readiness of DOE Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facility building structures by: maintaining overall cognizance of the integrity of Hazard Category 2 and 3 assigned systems; providing system engineering support for Operations and Maintenance activities, such as facility modifications and equipment installations; and, technical support of line management safety responsibilities. You will often be involved in significant research and development (R&D) projects, applying your expertise and creating innovative solutions. This position will report programmatically to the Superblock and administratively to the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED), within the Engineering Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home up to one day per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options, may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

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

• Monitor the integrity and configuration of instrumentation, detection and alarm systems to anticipate the need for maintenance, repair, or replacement of components due to aging and degradation. Prepare system logs, surveillance reports, and detailed assessment reports and brief facility management on the results.
• Identify, monitor, and provide recommendations for the timely procurement and assurance of adequate inventory of spare parts and materials.
• Utilize advanced technical engineering skills and complex engineering experience to provide technical support for sustainment, repair, and modification of safety structures, systems, and components.
• Support significant R&D projects by applying advanced level knowledge, skills, and innovation to create solutions that are safe and compliant with DOE orders and specifications.
• Develop and implement solutions and approaches to moderate and complex problems and issues in support of facility operations and maintenance using sound engineering judgment, in-depth analysis, ingenuity, and creativity.
• Identify and assess the potential impacts to assigned structures, systems, components from new construction, modifications, and repairs related to other systems, such HVAC and building structures.
• Develop and perform technical reviews of facility related procedures, work instructions, and proposed modifications to ensure technical adequacy and feasibility of implementation.
• Prepare and review advanced instrumentation, detection, and alarm design calculations, drawings, and other documents to describe and provide solutions for complex design requirements and engineering problems, while ensuring compliance with technical criteria, schedules, and deliverables.
• Conduct reviews and provide technical input and advice to mid-level internal management, customers, and colleagues on complex system related design, operation, and maintenance issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Develop and deliver technical presentations to programmatic clients, senior management, and DOE/NNSA Livermore Field Office / Headquarters, and field any associated questions.
• Represent the organization as the primary technical resource, influencing and contributing strategic technical advice, and providing subject matter expertise in the analysis, sustainment, design, and maintenance of highly complex systems and components.
• Provide project planning and project management knowledge and skills for significant R&D projects, while also applying high level expertise and innovation to create solutions that are safe and compliant with DOE orders and specifications.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams in developing new ideas, modifying approaches, and providing highly advanced technical analysis and engineering solutions to successfully maintain the operability of assigned systems, including troubleshooting, repair, modification, and operation.
• Provide highly advanced technical guidance and mentorship for early career engineers to facilitate knowledge transfer, foster a collaborative environment, and support their growth within the team.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical, electronics, or instrumentation and controls engineering or equivalent level of education and related technical experience.
• Advanced level knowledge of instrumentation, detection, or alarm engineering standards and practices.
• Experience with and advanced level knowledge and skills in the design, modification, and evaluation of electrical power systems for buildings and facilities.
• Advanced knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency and experience in developing or reviewing calculations, specifications, drawings, and sketches; determining design criteria for modifications, renovations, and upgrades on small projects and on occasional larger projects.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively interact and collaborate in a team environment, including the ability to identify, develop and effectively communicate recommendations to facility and senior management regarding facility and safety equipment modifications.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience effectively developing work process documents and safety documentation.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment which includes scientists, engineers, and technicians with demonstrated ability to effectively manage, oversee, and deliver multiple projects on budget and schedule, often with multiple parallel tasks that require the resolution of conflicting work requirements and prioritization of tasks toward predetermined long-range targets.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expertise and significant experience in instrumentation, detector, or alarm systems for buildings and facilities and industry code compliance, including Department of Energy requirements for nuclear facilities.
• Significant experience with and demonstrated ability to successfully lead and motivate a team in achieving project objectives which include solving highly complex problems, defining and verifying requirements and resources, and applying project management expertise.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration, interpersonal, and negotiation skills necessary to effectively present, explain, provide strategic technical advice, build consensus, and influence senior management, external sponsors, regulators, reviewers, and stakeholders.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree in in electrical, electronics, or instrumentation and controls engineering or related field.
• Experience scoping, designing, installing, and maintaining a Distributed Control System (DCS) and experience preparing project estimates.
• Professional Engineering Registration in Electrical or Controls Engineering in California or reciprocity from another state within twelve months.
• Significant experience working with electrical systems and components in a nuclear environment, as well as significant experience with control systems and/or control room design.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Creo).

Pay Range

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level
$210,630 - $267,060 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; 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.


Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

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)
• Our values - visit

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.

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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.

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