Pulsed Power Engineer - Electromagnetic Diagnostics

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.
• Bachelors 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

• Masters 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

$121830 - $185544 Annually
$121830 - $154500 Annually for the SES.1 level
$146340 - $185544 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 employees 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)
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  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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  Employment Type :

  Full-time

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