{"id":1140491,"url":"https://alion.io/job/lawrence-livermore-national-laboratory-metrologyprecision-research-engineer","title":"Metrology/Precision Research Engineer","company":{"id":5246,"name":"Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory","domain":"llnl.gov","url":"https://alion.io/company/llnl","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"is_intermediary":false,"ats_vendor":"SmartRecruiters","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":80,"open_postings":24,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":19,"computed_at":"2026-09-23T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"AI/ML","role_family":"AI/ML","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Livermore, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":121830,"max":185544,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":185544},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"MATLAB","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"Visual Basic","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-23T00:18:47Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-23","last_verified_at":"2026-09-23T10:48:22Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":0,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":0},"description":"Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!\nLawrence 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.\nOur 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.\n We have an opening for a Metrology/Precision Research Engineer to join our Precision Systems & Manufacturing Group. You will apply precision engineering and dimensional metrology principles to contribute to and/or lead projects ranging from novel research initiatives to stockpile stewardship support. These efforts include the planning and execution of strategies for the design, fabrication, and characterization of precision hardware; the design and development of novel dimensional metrology tools and techniques; and the quantification of measurement uncertainty in new and existing measurement technologies. You will collaborate with project managers, physicists, designers, engineers, and external vendors/collaborators to ensure design and metrology requirements are defined, interpreted and communicated accurately, and that metrology data is captured, processed, documented, disseminated, and retained in accordance with program needs. You will become familiar with the ongoing priorities of the programs being supported and help develop proposals for future technology development that advances program objectives. Projects may involve requirements that are beyond commercially available capabilities, and solutions may require modifying commercial tools or development of advanced tools, sensors, and fabrication methods. When available technology is inadequate to meet current or future program needs, forward-thinking problem solving will be essential to help shape future technology directions. This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED), within the Engineering Directorate.\nThis position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.\nThis 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.\nIn this role, you will\nContribute to projects requiring precision engineering and metrology expertise in the selection, design, development, fabrication, implementation, analysis and qualification of unique precision hardware, metrology equipment, and characterization methods, including procedure development and uncertainty analysis.\nUse standard precision engineering approaches and tools to design, fabricate, assemble, test, and analyze precision hardware and assemblies.\nUse both commercial and custom dimensional metrology equipment to contribute to the development and qualification of metrology routines on complex precision assemblies, as well as the definition of new measurement parameters and acceptance criteria for new and existing components and assemblies.\nUse optical techniques, such as interferometry, confocal microscopy, structured light scanning (SLS), and photogrammetry to characterize unique precision components.\nAssist in processing, analyzing, and interpreting metrology data using standard statistical techniques, uncertainty analysis, and requirement verification techniques using Matlab, Python, or similar tools.\nUse commercial software and/or contribute to the development of custom methods to process and analyze point cloud data, perform automated virtual measurements, process and store vendor inspection reports, and present metrology data in readily accessible formats for a wide range of users.\nGenerate and interpret specifications and mechanical drawings, and perform engineering calculations to support design, fabrication, assembly, and/or metrology operations.\nWork independently under general direction and/or collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team on projects of limited complexity.\nPresent technical approaches, project plans, and documentation to peers and program managers.\nPerform other duties as assigned.\nAdditional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level\nSolve moderately complex to complex technical issues related to precision design and metrology.\nUtilize rigorous error budgets, kinematic (exact) constraint, and other precision engineering principles to qualify processes, provide quantified design and/or characterization enhancements as needed to meet program requirements, and oversee the fabrication and implementation of these designs.\nPlan and execute on strategies to quantify the performance of new and existing metrology, characterization, and sensing technologies while working under limited direction.\nDevelop characterization techniques that enable requirements verification for components and assemblies using advanced metrology tools.\nDevelop and present research and development proposals.\n Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.\nBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.\nFundamental engineering knowledge related to the research, design, and analysis of precision hardware.\nFundamental knowledge of metrology principles and technologies, as well as their application spaces.\nFundamental knowledge in commercial software applications such as Matlab, Visual Basic (VB), Python, or similar.\nExperience applying and interpreting specifications and technical drawings, including ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.\nDemonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team with effective organizational and interpersonal skills.\nSufficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.\nAdditional qualifications at the SES.2 level\nMaster’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.\nComprehensive knowledge of metrology principles and technologies, with demonstrated ability to apply them to new or existing moderately complex problems.\nExperience in applying uncertainty analysis, error budgeting, kinematic (exact) constraint, and other precision engineering principles with demonstrated ability to apply them to new or existing processes/equipment.\nProficient communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present and explain technical information.\nQualifications We Desire\nExperience contributing to multi-year engineering projects that require strong organizational skills, specifically in the management of requirements, metrology data, analysis results, and technical reports.\nExperience contributing to design reviews.\nExperience analyzing accuracy and resolution limits in metrology tools and manufacturing equipment.\nFundamental engineering knowledge of machine tool kinematics.\nExperience with fabrication, assembly, and test of precision hardware.\nProficient in point cloud analysis software such as GOM Inspect or Polyworks.\nStrong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on developing relationships and building long-term collaborations with internal and/or external sponsors.\nPay Range\n$121,830 - $185,544 Annually\n$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level\n$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level\nThis 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.\n Position Information\nThis is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.\nWhy Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?\nIncluded in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!\nFlexible Benefits Package\n401(k)\nRelocation Assistance\nEducation Reimbursement Program\nFlexible schedules (*depending on project needs)\nOur values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values\nSecurity Clearance\nThis 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.\nPre-Employment Drug Test\nExternal 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.\nWireless and Medical Devices\nPer 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.\nIf 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.\nHow to identify fake job advertisements\nPlease be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.\nTo learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf\nEqual Employment Opportunity\nWe 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.\nReasonable Accommodation\nOur 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.\nCalifornia Privacy Notice\nThe California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. 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