Control Systems Engineer

Company Description 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 nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi‑domain defense. 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 Control Systems Engineers. You will provide engineering solutions for developing, implementing, and maintaining control systems in the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the world’s highest‑energy pulsed laser system. With over 60,000 control points distributed throughout the facility, many of NIF’s subsystems have control technologies at their core. You will contribute to the engineering design and development of new control systems and system upgrades to continually improve system performance and reliability. This position is full‑time on‑site in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division. The role is offered at the SES.2 or SES.3 level, with additional responsibilities for the higher level. In this role, you will Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility, use comprehensive knowledge, and exercise independent judgment to determine methods and recommend improvements within established frameworks and contribute to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals. Provide hardware and software solutions to problems of moderate complexity involving design, documentation, deployment, and maintenance of NIF & PS control systems, including utility systems, safety systems, machine protection systems, laser alignment and diagnostics systems, and optics processing systems. Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, designers, and operations teams for the development of control systems. Provide technical input on control system requirements and designs through formal and informal design reviews in collaboration with project leaders. Contribute to software and hardware design, implementation, and deployment following strict configuration‑management processes. Provide solutions and propose improvements to control system architectures, processes, and frameworks. Collaborate with system managers and/or software testers to develop and execute commissioning test procedures. Support the NIF & PS operations teams by troubleshooting facility issues, finding root causes of problems, and supporting planned work that impacts moderately complex control systems. Participate in the reactive maintenance on‑call rotation as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Additional Responsibilities (SES.3) Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods and technology. Provide control system solutions to complex problems by applying in‑depth analysis and independent judgment to identify root causes and deliver reliable outcomes. Utilize advanced technical knowledge to support complex troubleshooting efforts by analyzing system behavior, diagnosing root causes, evaluating corrective actions, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to resolve issues efficiently while maintaining system reliability and performance. Conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis research and perform in‑depth analysis to identify potential system vulnerabilities and advance the architecture of the control systems through informed design improvements. Mentor junior staff and provide oversight and guidance into production and commissioning activities on subsystems to ensure work is performed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with project requirements, quality standards, and operational objectives. May lead project teams in the development and deployment of control solutions. 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, Computer Science or related engineering discipline, or equivalent education and experience. Comprehensive knowledge and broad experience in developing hardware or software solutions for control systems in industrial or research environments, with a focus on supporting project execution to meet stakeholder needs. Comprehensive knowledge and broad experience in one or more of the following areas: Hardware and/or software development for data acquisition and control systems. Hardware design and selection of analog and digital instrumentation such as sensors, actuators and controllers. Custom circuit design for unique control system applications. Application, use and programming of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Software development for basic signal conditioning or processing in data acquisition or calibration scenarios. Software development of automation sequences and state machines. Design, development and management of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI). Development and support of standalone test and research control systems applications in graphical programming language, i.e. LabVIEW. Comprehensive understanding and broad experience in the application of documentation standards, including drawings, procedures, statements of work and test plans. Broad experience using standard electronic measurement and diagnostic tools, such as oscilloscopes and TDRs. Broad experience supporting control systems throughout the full engineering lifecycle, including design, assembly, integration, testing, and maintenance. Proficient verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate technical information. Experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary project team. Additional Qualifications (SES.3) Advanced experience developing complex software or hardware solutions for control system automation in collaboration with stakeholders to meet project needs. Significant experience developing following configuration‑management processes to design, develop control system requirements, design documents, test plans and user documentation. Advanced verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare, present and explain technical information and advise senior management and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to lead independent work and collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment with scientists, engineers, technicians and designers. Significant experience troubleshooting complex control systems problems in an operations environment and finding root causes of problems. Experience mentoring team members. Desired Qualifications Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related technical field. Experience in industrial production environments such as food & beverage, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals. Experience in the modernization of legacy control systems. Experience and understanding of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis. Understanding of Systems Engineering concepts. Pay Range $146,340 – $222,564 annually (SES.2: $146,340 – $185,544; SES.3: $175,530 – $222,564). Pay will not be below local minimum wage. Position Information Career indefinite position. Open to Lab employees and external candidates. Benefits 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). Security Clearance This position requires a Department of Energy Q‑level clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must undergo a federal background investigation. Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to providing 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr