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Projects

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Panoramic aerial view of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory site Panoramic aerial view of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory site

Delivering a Safer World

For more than 70 years, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has applied science and technology to make the world a safer place. LLNL is located approximately 40 miles east of San Francisco, is one of three U.S. Department of Energy national security laboratories, whose work strengthens global security and promotes breakthrough science.

Since 2007, Lawrence Livermore National Security has managed and operated LLNL for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). This team is led by the University of California and Bechtel National, Inc. LLNL’s mission is to enable U.S. security and global stability and resilience by empowering multidisciplinary teams to pursue bold and innovative science and technology.

The laboratory’s core capabilities derive from its broad national and global security mission, continuing stockpile stewardship responsibilities, and the historical nuclear weapons mission. Effective management, efficient business practices, and safe, secure, environmentally responsible operations provide the essential foundation for LLNL’s mission activities.

Room with banks (walls) of computers (Tri-Lab, Linux clusters, TLCC, Juno, Minos, high-performance, computing). Technician (scientist, male, man, professional) sits at computer. Female (technician, professional, woman) stands by. Red and violet lighting, technology, research, development.

Bechtel’s Role

The team supports the laboratory’s efforts to develop technology in support of national security and defense, maintain the nuclear stockpile, research emerging energy technologies, and more. The team also provides project support and capital project execution and helps create an environment where research and national security science can thrive.

Innovations and Infrastructure

Recently, LLNL scientists achieved a breakthrough in fusion ignition research at the National Ignition Facility and started installing the NNSA’s first exascale supercomputer, El Capitan. LLNL also broke ground on the Digital Infrastructure Capability Expansion project, a critical upgrade for LLNL’s networking and communications. These innovations will help further the United States’ security and technological capabilities.

Multiple Missions


LLNL research and facilities play a key role in providing specialized technical assistance and analysis for homeland security, basic research, and other nationally important endeavors. In addition to basic science research, LLNL devotes attention to several areas critical to U.S. national interest including biosecurity, enterprise resilience, counterterrorism, defense, intelligence, energy security, climate resilience, and research and development.

Engineer uses a new laser vibrometer system

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