Design Optimization Engineer - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL • Livermore, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is for a Design Optimization Engineer - Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct basic and applied research in the optimization, simulation, and design of physical and engineered systems. The role involves extending and developing physics-based design optimization tools, working both collaboratively and independently to advance the state-of-the-art in support of Laboratory missions. The position is within the Computational Engineering Division (CED), Engineering Directorate. A hybrid schedule may be offered, allowing for a blend of in-person and virtual work, with potential flexibility for remote work one or more days per week.

Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in Engineering, Mathematics, Computational Science, or a related field.
• Experience developing custom simulation tools using continuum discretization approaches (e.g., finite elements) for physical systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++/FORTRAN and scripting languages including Python.
• Fundamental knowledge of HPC and one or more associated parallel programming interfaces, such as MPI, OpenMP, or CUDA.
• Ability to perform independent research.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills needed to effectively collaborate in a team environment, to present and explain technical information, to document work, and to prepare and present successful proposals and high-quality research papers.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in design sensitivity analysis via direct (forward) and adjoint (backward) methods, shape/topology optimization and other design optimization techniques.
• Familiarity with machine learning and data science techniques.
• Experience simulating and designing systems that involve complex nonlinear, transient, multiphysics models.
• Proficient in nonlinear solvers, and linear algebra concepts for solving challenging linear systems.
• Experience working in a collaborative software development environment, including experience with version control systems, such as Git.
• Adept at tackling complex technical challenges with a logical and analytical approach.
• Working effectively with experts from various fields.
• Promoting an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement high-performance computing (HPC) algorithms for the simulation and design optimization of systems governed by nonlinear, transient, multiscale and multiple physical phenomena, including uncertainties in geometry and material properties.
• Contribute to identifying and solving challenging design optimization problems with gradient-based optimization approaches.
• Develop continuum models and implement them in HPC numerical analysis software to solve the governing partial differential equations of the physical system, to predict design responses of interest.
• Demonstrate design optimization capabilities and establish credibility with mission customers.
• Document research findings through presentations and peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Contribute to identifying future research directions and proposals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate design optimization tools with other simulation and analysis frameworks.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Stay current with technological advancements by updating and enhancing knowledge of the latest HPC algorithms, simulation techniques, and design optimization methods.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree