LLNL summer career fair welcomes more than 1,000 attendees

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) recently welcomed 1,087 attendees to learn about career opportunities across the Laboratory.

Notably, attendance increased more than 130% compared to the 2022 career fair event. Attendees were welcomed by more than 250 LLNL employees to an engaging career fair experience at the University of California Livermore Collaboration Center (UCLCC).

As the Bay Area job market continues to evolve, LLNL’s career fair helped prospective applicants consider the Lab as an employer of choice when looking for their next role.

LLNL’s work enables U.S. national security and global stability and resilience through the application of innovative science and technology and multidisciplinary teamwork. To continue meeting today’s challenges, LLNL continues to attract a diverse array of professionals who serve the Lab’s missions and advance their careers at the same time. LLNL is one of 17 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories that offers a wealth of opportunities with competitive benefits. For many attendees, it was their first time setting foot at a DOE national lab and described the event as an “immersive connection experience.”

“The goal of recruiting is to always be recruiting, networking and creating a pipeline of candidates preparing for when the next opportunity might arise,” said Debbie Eaton, Talent Acquisition (TA) division leader in LLNL’s Human Resources Directorate. “We responded to market conditions by hosting this career fair. By doing so, it positions LLNL to attract and retain exceptional talent, enhances our visibility and reputation, fosters valuable connections and builds a resilient and adaptable workforce.” 

Attendees were able to visit career booths and connect with hiring teams to learn more about their opportunities. LLNL hosted resume workshops and provided 365 resume reviews, in addition to featuring information sessions hosted by some of the Lab’s organizations.

“It was clear from the time spent with attendees that they were both aware of the exciting work done at LLNL and eager to set themselves up for success in their application process,” said Moira Kolasinski, an employee, career development and coaching program manager at the Lab.

“It was exciting to see such a large turnout, more than I could have ever expected,” said Frank Trigueros, LLNL’s TA group leader. “The event would not have been as successful without the hard work of LLNL’s planning teams and partnership with University of California (UC) partners.”

Energy during the event was high from start to finish. Since the fair was held at UCLCC, attendees were able to enjoy the collaborative area with good weather. Attendees participated in educational sessions, visited booths and networked with LLNL employees.  

“The career fair was a tremendous success, drawing an impressive crowd of dedicated and passionate individuals. Enthusiasm and commitment to national security were evident in every conversation, promising a bright future for LLNL and our nation,” said Eric McKinzie, LLNL’s Global Security principal deputy.

Kristina Petersen, workforce administrator for Global Security’s Z Program said: “The flow of the event and location allowed attendees to participate in all programming. I met so many interesting people in a variety of stages in their careers. Hosting events like this are crucial to attract quality applicants for current and future open positions.”

A variety of Lab organizations and programs, including employee resource groups (ERGs), were present to showcase the Laboratory’s vibrant culture. External partners, including the City of Livermore and UC Merced and UC Davis, also were present to discuss community resources and educational opportunities.

The career fair was a Lab-wide effort that underscored everything that makes LLNL an interconnected, mission-driven community. It showcased one of the many reasons LLNL was voted one of the 2024 “Best Places to Work” and a 2024 "Best-Led Company."

The Laboratory workforce continues to grow. There are currently more than 120 jobs posted on the LLNL careers site in a variety of fields. For questions, email careers [at] llnl.gov (careers).