Machinist Apprentice

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$32.64  - $44.38  Hourly

This position is under a step structure.  Step placement will be determined after your qualifications are fully assessed during the interview process.

We have multiple openings for Machinist Apprentices. You will progress through a 1,000 hour training period (eight 6-month steps). You will be required to master all competency-based training and education objectives for each training period before a Journeyman Certificate is issued by the State and/or U.S. Department of Labor. These positions are in the Manufacturing Engineering Section in the Materials Engineering Division (MED), within the Engineering Directorate.

You will

• Develop and demonstrate an acceptable understanding of mechanical principles and practical application of shop theory related to the machinist trade, through hands-on on-the-job training (OJT).
• Complete all occupational related classroom and job-related instruction during normal work hours and required classroom instruction during off-hours.
• Fabricate/machine parts made from a variety of materials including radioactive and toxic materials.
• Set up and operate basic conventional machine tools.
• Perform standard shop calculations to determine optimum feeds, speeds, and dimensions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

NOTE:  This requisition has four to six openings; these are four-year term appointments with the possibility of extension if a Journeyman Machinist position exists at the time of program completion.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent with completed courses in shop math and mechanical drawing or blueprint reading.
• Passing score on the LLNL Apprentice level aptitude assessment.
• Basic knowledge and experience with machine shop equipment, machine tools, measuring instruments, and shop accessories.
• Basic knowledge of common materials, manufacturing processes, and productivity procedures.
• Ability to work in a shop environment, with moderate physical labor, bending, working in close quarters, and standing for long periods of time.
• Demonstrated math skills including geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license with the ability to operate common motor vehicles including a 6000 lb. fork truck.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications We Desire

• Associate degree in machine tool technology, mechanical technology, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of CNC machine tools and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of CAD/CAM programming.
• Basic knowledge of Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

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.