Mechanical Design Drafter/Designer
Physics World, Livermore, CA, United States
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.
Job Description We have an opening for a
Mechanical Design Drafter
or
Designer
to support projects for a wide variety of customers and projects that would include Physical and Life Sciences (PLS), Strategic Deterrence (SD), Global Security (GS), accelerator technologies, high‑energy physics, Energy, and others. The position will be in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) with the Engineering Directorate.
This is a full‑time off‑site role with occasional on‑site presence as business needs require. The position will be filled at either level (534.2 or 534.3) based on knowledge and related experience. Additional responsibilities are outlined for the higher level.
Responsibilities
Provide general Mechanical or Electro‑Mechanical drafting and design support to lead designers and to engineering, scientific, and technical staff to conceptualize, develop, and complete detailed designs of hardware for various mechanical applications.
Translate requirements and constraints into detailed layouts, fabrication, and assembly drawings utilizing knowledge of CAD tools.
Create moderately complex 3D CAD models of design concepts using PTC Creo 10.
Develop detailed fabrication drawings, specifications, and documentation for all designs.
Work independently on small projects and/or contribute to large team projects.
Perform basic calculations to support technical work using standard engineering formulas; analyze cost effectiveness of design, schedule, and materials.
Interact productively with vendors, customers, and others outside the work unit.
Maintain documentation in a configuration management system (PTC Windchill PDMLink).
Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Responsibilities – 534.3 Level
Provide advanced Mechanical or Electro‑Mechanical design and drafting support where overall design parameters and specifications have been established.
Contribute to preliminary design concepts for hardware, componentry, and systems including making independent judgment and decisions.
Estimate scheduling and costs to determine effective methods in design, materials, and time to meet project deliverables and prepare and present technical material for design reviews, procedures, and related documentation.
Qualifications
Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q level security clearance; requires U.S. citizenship.
Associate’s degree in Mechanical or Electro‑Mechanical Drafting; or relevant degree with significant science, mathematics, and engineering coursework with related experience; or Certificate in Engineering Technology or Mechanical Drafting with related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Intermediate knowledge of drafting standards, procedures, and techniques, including ASME Y14.5M GDT.
Experience developing design concepts across a variety of sub‑disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to solve moderately complex technical problems.
Intermediate understanding of design, function, fabrication processes, and packaging of mechanical hardware/systems.
Ability to read and follow engineering notes, sketches, drawings, specifications, and procedures.
Intermediate knowledge of PTC Creo 10 CAD software.
Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Additional Qualifications – 534.3 Level
Advanced knowledge of ASME Y14.5M GDT and proficient use of PTC Creo 10 CAD software.
Advanced understanding of mechanical and electrical design principles and ability to solve complex technical problems.
Advanced knowledge of engineering hardware design principles, fabrication, and installation processes.
Qualifications We Desire
Experience with SolidWorks CAD software.
Experience reviewing and verifying the accuracy of work performed by peers and other engineering disciplines as needed.
Experience using PTC Windchill PDMLink or other database management software.
Pay Range $43.55 – $63.97 hourly (generic); $43.55 – $53.36 hourly for 534.2 level; $52.23 – $63.97 hourly for 534.3 level.
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 DOE Q‑level clearance. A federal background investigation will be initiated upon selection, and all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.
Pre‑Employment Drug Test Selected external candidates must pass a post‑offer pre‑employment drug test, including testing for marijuana in compliance with federal law.
Wireless and Medical Devices In Limited Areas, personal or laboratory mobile devices (cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, etc.) may not be permitted. Medical devices that pair with mobile devices must follow the same rules. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or disabled wireless are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space.
How to Identify Fake Job Advertisements Do not respond to postings that use the LLNL name without a personal interview or that charge a fee. The official LLNL career page lists all current openings. Learn more at 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 committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other protected characteristic.
Reasonable Accommodation If you need an accommodation during the application or recruiting process, submit a request using our online form.
California Privacy Notice The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to California residents. Job applicants, employees, and non‑employee workers are notified of the personal information LLNL collects and purposes. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed at https://www.llnl.gov/content/visual_new/llnlprivacy/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description We have an opening for a
Mechanical Design Drafter
or
Designer
to support projects for a wide variety of customers and projects that would include Physical and Life Sciences (PLS), Strategic Deterrence (SD), Global Security (GS), accelerator technologies, high‑energy physics, Energy, and others. The position will be in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) with the Engineering Directorate.
This is a full‑time off‑site role with occasional on‑site presence as business needs require. The position will be filled at either level (534.2 or 534.3) based on knowledge and related experience. Additional responsibilities are outlined for the higher level.
Responsibilities
Provide general Mechanical or Electro‑Mechanical drafting and design support to lead designers and to engineering, scientific, and technical staff to conceptualize, develop, and complete detailed designs of hardware for various mechanical applications.
Translate requirements and constraints into detailed layouts, fabrication, and assembly drawings utilizing knowledge of CAD tools.
Create moderately complex 3D CAD models of design concepts using PTC Creo 10.
Develop detailed fabrication drawings, specifications, and documentation for all designs.
Work independently on small projects and/or contribute to large team projects.
Perform basic calculations to support technical work using standard engineering formulas; analyze cost effectiveness of design, schedule, and materials.
Interact productively with vendors, customers, and others outside the work unit.
Maintain documentation in a configuration management system (PTC Windchill PDMLink).
Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Responsibilities – 534.3 Level
Provide advanced Mechanical or Electro‑Mechanical design and drafting support where overall design parameters and specifications have been established.
Contribute to preliminary design concepts for hardware, componentry, and systems including making independent judgment and decisions.
Estimate scheduling and costs to determine effective methods in design, materials, and time to meet project deliverables and prepare and present technical material for design reviews, procedures, and related documentation.
Qualifications
Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q level security clearance; requires U.S. citizenship.
Associate’s degree in Mechanical or Electro‑Mechanical Drafting; or relevant degree with significant science, mathematics, and engineering coursework with related experience; or Certificate in Engineering Technology or Mechanical Drafting with related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Intermediate knowledge of drafting standards, procedures, and techniques, including ASME Y14.5M GDT.
Experience developing design concepts across a variety of sub‑disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to solve moderately complex technical problems.
Intermediate understanding of design, function, fabrication processes, and packaging of mechanical hardware/systems.
Ability to read and follow engineering notes, sketches, drawings, specifications, and procedures.
Intermediate knowledge of PTC Creo 10 CAD software.
Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Additional Qualifications – 534.3 Level
Advanced knowledge of ASME Y14.5M GDT and proficient use of PTC Creo 10 CAD software.
Advanced understanding of mechanical and electrical design principles and ability to solve complex technical problems.
Advanced knowledge of engineering hardware design principles, fabrication, and installation processes.
Qualifications We Desire
Experience with SolidWorks CAD software.
Experience reviewing and verifying the accuracy of work performed by peers and other engineering disciplines as needed.
Experience using PTC Windchill PDMLink or other database management software.
Pay Range $43.55 – $63.97 hourly (generic); $43.55 – $53.36 hourly for 534.2 level; $52.23 – $63.97 hourly for 534.3 level.
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 DOE Q‑level clearance. A federal background investigation will be initiated upon selection, and all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.
Pre‑Employment Drug Test Selected external candidates must pass a post‑offer pre‑employment drug test, including testing for marijuana in compliance with federal law.
Wireless and Medical Devices In Limited Areas, personal or laboratory mobile devices (cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, etc.) may not be permitted. Medical devices that pair with mobile devices must follow the same rules. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or disabled wireless are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space.
How to Identify Fake Job Advertisements Do not respond to postings that use the LLNL name without a personal interview or that charge a fee. The official LLNL career page lists all current openings. Learn more at 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 committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other protected characteristic.
Reasonable Accommodation If you need an accommodation during the application or recruiting process, submit a request using our online form.
California Privacy Notice The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to California residents. Job applicants, employees, and non‑employee workers are notified of the personal information LLNL collects and purposes. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed at https://www.llnl.gov/content/visual_new/llnlprivacy/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr