Flight Test Mission Engineer

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 a Mission Execution Engineer to support the Flight Test Group. The Flight Test Group is a fast-paced, cross-disciplinary team that specializes in rapid development of reliable in-field deployable assets including autonomous rafts, UAS, and camera systems. You will be well-rounded with a broad range of knowledge and engineering experience but also have specific experience with mechanical-electrical system design, fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting. You will have a focus on process improvement and design upgrades to support the deployment and recovery of assets used for mission support. This position is in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED)/Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) Program, supporting the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Principal 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.

 In this role you will

• Support mission operations multiple times each year, with travel expectations of 25% to 45%, including occasional deployments of two to six weeks in remote locations.
• Supports mission planning, coordination, execution tracking, and delivery of mission objectives
• Coordinate and contribute across all LIDSS disciplines (Mission Execution, optics, analysis, development, etc.), ensuring alignment of people, equipment, schedules, and deliverables
• Serves as the decision support and escalation point during missions, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and mission objectives remain on track
• Support sponsor communications by providing mission readiness assessments, including clear communication of readiness status (e.g., Green/Yellow/Red) and associated risks
• Partners closely with the Field Lead to ensure all required equipment is properly planned, shipped, and available in the field, acting as a cross-check for completeness and readiness
• Ensures timely and accurate delivery of data review packages and all other relevant reports and analysis
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Additional job responsibilities, at the TSS.4 level

• Works directly with sponsors to help them better understand Flight Test capabilities and determine mission deliverables, when necessary.
• Works with sponsors to identify key players, define roles and responsibilities, and coordinate with appropriate personnel to resolve open or lingering issues.
• Develops an in-depth understanding of all technical facets of mission support, ranging from communications systems to ship selection requirements for chartering
• Understands analytical reports and ensures they meet final deliverable requirements.
• Maintains a complete understanding of the various mission types, identifies process improvements, and advocates for funding to develop technical solutions that reduce mission risk.
• Maintains sponsor relationships during off-mission periods to provide support as needed and instill confidence in the team’s ability to support new mission requirements at any time.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience developing program plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables
• Ability to coordinate roles, responsibilities, resources, and priorities across multiple organizations
• Knowledge of budgeting, funding processes, and resource allocation
• Ability to develop a working understanding of technical mission requirements and support systems
• Skill in building and maintaining strong sponsor and customer relationships
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements to enhance mission or program success

Additional qualifications at the TSS.4 level

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex programs from initiation through completion
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to address open or lingering issues effectively
• Experience reviewing reports and ensuring final deliverables meet requirements and expectations
• Able to develop repeatable processes and mentor personnel to improve overall group efficiency.

Qualifications We Desire

• PMP Certification
• The ability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity
• Ability to manage changing priorities and support evolving mission requirements
• Experience identifying program risks, developing mitigation strategies, and resolving issues proactively
• Strong problem solving skills with demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, identify practical solutions, and implement effective courses of action in a timely manner.

Pay Range:

$154,950 - $235,692 Annually

$154,950 - $196,476 Annually for the TSS.3 level
$185,850 - $235,692 Annually for the TSS.4 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-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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

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

Please 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.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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

The 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. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

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