Dave Eastman

June 4, 2025

What do you like about your job and/or about working at the Lab?

The team I work with in Operations is great. I also get to work with and around amazing people across the Lab. My leadership lets me use my creative ability to help researchers see their ideas come to life.

What do your day-to-day work activities include?

My day-to-day changes frequently, that's what I love the most. There is always something new or a different challenge that pops up. I engage frequently with my customers, attend daily meetings regarding projects with the Project Management Office, and perform job walks.

What is one project you’re really proud to have worked on?

I take pride in the work I do, so I would have to say all of them. However, being a part of our new Wet Chemistry Laboratory in building B177 is up there right now.

What is your educational/career background?

I started in the trades during high school, doing an apprenticeship to become a journeyman glazier. After running a glass shop after high school, I was able to secure a job as the Berkeley Unified School District Glazier. I worked there for 14 years, working up the ladder from the maintenance department to the facilities department where I became a project manager. Somewhere after that I was asked to be the Facilities and Maintenance Director for a private school here in Livermore for another 14 years, leading me to LLNL about 4 years ago.

I am also a 9-year United States Marine Corps Veteran.

What inspired you to go into science/your field of work?

As a kid, I always enjoyed working with my hands, fixing and building things around my parents’ house and for family.

What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?

The knowledge here at LLNL is endless. Ask questions, always. Everyone here is always willing to help or find you help.

What are your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

I like to work on cars. However, I haven't had a fixer upper in a while. Now that the kids are both almost in college, I am itching to get something soon.

Where are you from?

Oakland, CA.

Do you support disciplines or programs outside PLS?

Global security, Weapons and Complex Integration, Operations & Business, and Engineering.