Good place to jumpstart your career, but I wouldn't count on a lifelong position... - Research Scientist Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Employee Review

3.0
Jun 11, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

LLNL offers the freedom to do the research that you are interested in, IF you can secure the funding. Further benefits include a lax work schedule at a relatively high salary, with a decent retirement plan. Because of the size of the facility, there are experts in a variety of fields, so it is possible to have nearly any question answered. It all comes down to making connections and fighting through the internal barriers that exist, but if you are motivated and know what you would like to accomplish, it is a good place to get your research career off the ground.

Cons

The biggest drawbacks of working at the lab are the lack of bonuses or even non-monetary "kudos" for a job well done. Moreover, the facility seems to foster an environment of very poor communication; especially between management and employees. In this light, you must be a highly motivated self-starter in order to get anything done. Given the fact that LLNL is a government lab (or at least used to be) there is an ingrained slow-paced atmosphere with oodles of red tape to cut through. Be prepared to complete stacks of ridiculous paperwork and take weeks of near-worthless training courses before starting any project.

Explore other reviews about Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

5.0
Jul 22, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits, stimulating environment to learn and grow scientific career. Great work-life balance: those who do work a bit more are insulated enough that there isn't endemic pressure to follow suit.

Cons

There could be better incentive structures for research output or getting funding. Monetary, for instance.

5.0
Jul 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work life balance. Always something different to learn or do. Good coworkers who truly want to do the best work they can.

Cons

The matrixing employee setup can lead to unsatisfied employees when they cannot influence changes in behavior for employees that are matrixed to them. There isn't always alignment from both managers on what is acceptable.

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