Pulsed Power Engineer - Electromagnetic Diagnostics

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

Job Description

We have multiple openings for Pulsed Power Engineers to support the development of innovative electromagnetic diagnostic technologies for mission-critical pulsed power experiments. These positions design, fabricate, test, and operate electromagnetic diagnostics based on RF and optical principles to assess pulsed magnetic-field technologies. The work includes hands-on development and operation of RF diagnostics, laser diagnostics, high-speed cameras, data acquisition systems, and laboratory instrumentation used in unique experiments employing high-power pulsed electrical energy and/or energetic materials to study matter in extreme states.

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

These positions are in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate. 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

• Design, test, calibrate, and operate optical and RF diagnostics for pulsed power experiments, including laser diagnostics, antennas, high-speed cameras, transformers, voltage dividers, and photodiodes under general direction.
• Develop and evaluate diagnostic components and systems using fundamental electrical, optical, and electromagnetic engineering principles and established engineering techniques.
• Perform hands-on laboratory testing and collect data from electromagnetic devices and components, including high-voltage and high-current pulsed power systems, under the direction of senior engineering and scientific staff.
• Analyze experimental and diagnostic data using established signal-processing, image-processing, and numerical methods.
• Integrate diagnostic components into experimental systems in collaboration with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, physicists, and other technical personnel.
• Prepare engineering documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, printed circuit board layouts, assembly instructions, calibration and alignment procedures, and technical reports.
• Apply simulation tools, such as finite-element solvers, SPICE circuit solvers, and ray-tracing codes, to evaluate electromagnetic and diagnostic design problems.
• Travel as needed to support system testing and experiment execution at off-site locations.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Independently perform broadly defined pulsed power and diagnostic engineering assignments under limited direction, using independent judgment to determine appropriate methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
• Develop solutions to moderately complex to complex engineering problems involving multiple, largely identifiable factors through the creative use of established and/or innovative methods.
• Develop technical plans, schedules, resource estimates, and engineering approaches for assigned pulsed power diagnostic activities and recommend technical or process improvements as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related science, engineering, or technical field, or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Fundamental knowledge of electrical, optical, or electromagnetic engineering concepts, techniques, practices, and procedures applicable to diagnostic systems and pulsed power experiments.
• Fundamental knowledge of electromagnetic wave physics, such as antennas, RF/microwave engineering, transmission lines, fiber optics, physical optics, or radiometry.
• Knowledge of signal processing, image processing, or numerical methods using computational tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Experience using standard laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, network analyzers, waveform generators, coaxial cables, fiber-optic components, or digital multimeters.
• Experience working effectively in a multidisciplinary technical team environment.
• Ability to travel offsite for system testing and experiment execution.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Comprehensive knowledge of electrical, optical, electromagnetic, or related engineering concepts, with broad application of technical principles, theories, concepts, and techniques relevant to pulsed power diagnostics.
• Broad application and experience applying engineering principles to perform independent technical work and develop solutions to moderately complex engineering problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working safely with hazards associated with pulsed power environments, such as high-voltage systems, high-power lasers, or energetic materials.
• Experience using vector network analyzers to measure S-parameters and interpret resulting datasets.

Pay Range

$121,830 - $185,544 Annually
$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level
$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 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.

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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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Organization: EngineeringCategory: EngineeringJob Code 2: SES.2 Science & Engineering MTS 2Employee Referral Bonus: Not applicableJob Code 1: SES.1 Science & Engineering MTS 1Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicableSecurity Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)Position Type: Career Indefinite