Applications Operations Engineer

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.

We have openings for multiple Applications Operations Engineers (AppOps Engineers) to support the Strategic Deterrence Applications (SD Apps) organization. As part of a team of developers, engineers, and other technical staff, you will have primary responsibility for the configuration, administration, operational maintenance, and professional support of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom-developed enterprise application software in close collaboration with professional IT staff. These positions are in the Applications, Simulation, and Quality Division within the Computing Directorate.

These positions will be filled at the SES.2 or SES.3 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

• Work with solution architects and software engineers to select and implement solution components and software deployment models for COTS and custom-developed enterprise application software.
• Deploy, update, administer, and maintain operations of enterprise applications for a diverse, multi-disciplinary customer base.
• Configure server operating systems and application software parameters, perform application security hardening, integrate with infrastructure services (such as database, authentication, logging, and monitoring services), and develop scripts to automate execution of these tasks.
• Establish and maintain database connections and integrations with other enterprise applications, services, and troubleshoot related technical problems.
• Manage application upgrade schedules, track complex system dependencies and cybersecurity requirements, negotiate downtime with stakeholders, and perform related integration and functional testing.
• Implement and configure application monitoring, analyze and address related performance and security issues, including vulnerability remediation as required.
• Work with database administrators, system administrators, platform engineering staff, and professional IT staff to develop and implement approaches to improve operational efficiency and compliance.
• Provide Tier 2 applications support (description below) for applications support staff and systems, database, and/or application administrators as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Manage complex integrations with enterprise identity management, authentication, authorization, and auditing services; provide comprehensive Tier 3 applications support and consult with Tier 4 support as needed.
• Design and implement custom features and modules to extend application functions using established APIs and/or API gateways.
• Provide technical guidance and knowledge transfer to supporting staff on domain applications, including troubleshooting methodologies, system configurations, and operational best practices to build team capability and reduce knowledge gaps.

Standard Tiered Support Model

• Tier 1: Handles basic user issues and routine troubleshooting. Often procedural and documented support.
• Tier 2: Addresses more complex technical problems and provides advanced support. Requires deeper product and system knowledge.
• Tier 3: Manages challenging application issues and major integrations. Often requires deep business and application domain knowledge
• Tier 4: Consults with other technical/domain experts or external vendors as needed to address specialized technical challenges.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Comprehensive analytical troubleshooting and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to independently triage and resolve complex technical problems, while managing competing priorities.
• Proficient interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, necessary to effectively collaborate as part of a cohesive, multi-disciplinary team.
• Broad and in-depth knowledge of, and hands-on experience with, deploying and maintaining enterprise applications on Windows and/or Linux, in bare-metal and/or virtualized environments.
• Comprehensive experience with a range of modern computing technologies and practices, including high-level programming and scripting languages and their frameworks (such as Python, PowerShell, Bash, and YAML), SQL and/or NoSQL databases, and common IDEs, with the ability to apply these skills in Agile and/or waterfall environments to write scripts that automate complex tasks.
• Broad experience developing and curating technical knowledge base content, including step-by-step how to guides and standard operating procedures, with sound judgment in tailoring guidance and training to the differences, constraints, and risks of hybrid environments and mixed security networks.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced experience identifying application security gaps and supporting the implementation of application hardening solutions, helping ensure application components align with security and compliance baselines such as CIS Benchmarks, DISA STIGs, and established vulnerability management practices.
• Significant experience configuring COTS applications for use with SSO and knowledge of Identity and Access Management standards and protocols, such as SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect (OIDC).
• Significant experience leading and documenting independent work, advising management on topics like process improvement and industry best practices. Demonstrated advanced communication skills needed to partner with stakeholders in architecting, delivering, and supporting COTS-based and custom developed solutions.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.
• Significant experience supporting enterprise applications in a fast-paced operations environment, including but not limited to product data/lifecycle management, requirements management, schedule management, and enterprise risk management applications, business intelligence and analytics, data virtualization, and visualization tools.
• Familiarity with application containerization and/or relevant professional technical certifications.

Pay Range

$146,340 - $185,544 Yearly at the SES.2 level

$175,530 - $222,564 Yearly at the SES.3 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.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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.

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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.

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