Explosives Firing Tank Operator

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 an opening for an Explosives Firing Tank Operator to provide general technical and mechanical support for experiments involving explosives and energetic materials. Under general supervision, you will conduct field experiments and operate key equipment at the High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF). This position is in the Facilities Operations and Support (FOS) division in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

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

• Work closely with scientific personnel and experimentalists to plan and conduct experiments by fabricating experiments, stands, and fixtures; preparing the facility and diagnostic equipment, receiving the experiment, and maintaining area controls.
• Assist with diagnostic alignment and testing prior to experiment execution and performing data recovery and area re-entry after experiment execution.
• Perform facility related and technical functions such as maintenance, testing, and reconfiguration of firing tanks, firing chambers, gas/powder guns and support systems such as ventilation, vacuum, hydraulics, control equipment, and interlock systems.
• Maintain systems documentation and experimental records and author operational procedures and technical documents.
• Control and manage hazardous and radioactive materials used and wastes generated by operations.
• Provide general mechanical and/or electronic fabrication support.
• Ensure that support and experimental areas are kept clean, uncluttered, and orderly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities at the 533.3 Level

• Act independently and/or direct others to ensure work is conducted in an efficient manner.
• Propose and implement solutions for conducting experiments in a manner that improves diagnostic capability and quality, safety, security, and efficiency.
• Provide advanced technical support for gas and powder gun experiments.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, undergraduate studies applicable to the position, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Ability to efficiently work multiple tasks and interact effectively with a diverse set of personalities and disciplines while following policies and procedures.
• Ability to complete and maintain the following qualifications: explosives handler, firing tank operator, high-speed camera operator, and/or radiation generating device operator, Rad Worker (II), and Beryllium Worker.
• Ability to read and follow engineering notes, sketches, and drawings.
• Experience with office computers and related software, i.e. Windows, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and inventory databases.
• Ability to operate hand/power tools, lift 50 lbs. safely, and become medically qualified to wear respiratory and other protective equipment, and perform moderate work effort while wearing full-face respirator.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills, and the ability to work constructively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Additional qualifications at the 533.3 Level

• Ability to provide technical leadership, task direction, and training to team members during complex and hazardous operations.
• Ability to plan assignments and prepare work control documents.
• Experience and high-level understanding of the science of explosives and explosive experiments.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience handling explosives and fielding explosives experiments.
• Experience with chemicals, hazardous, and radiological materials, and experience with Radiological contamination control.
• Experience with ballistics, rifles, and other weapons currently fielded by military forces and experience conducting/coordinating live-fire experiments with small-large caliber weapons.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 533.2 level

$52.23- $63.97 Hourly for the 533.3 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.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

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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

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Organization: Strategic DeterrenceCategory: Craft and Skilled TradesJob Code 2: 533.3 Sr Technologist-MechanicalEmployee Referral Bonus: Not applicableJob Code 1: 533.2 Technologist-MechanicalPre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be requiredSecurity Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)Position Type: Career Indefinite