Design Physicist - Active Security Clearance Required

LLNL•Livermore, CA

1d•$146,340 - $222,564•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring a Physical Scientist and Engineer for the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate. The role focuses on computational, theoretical, and experimental physics related to complex processes of nuclear explosives and national-security challenges. Under limited direction, the successful candidate will advance scientific understanding and develop methodologies supporting those challenges. The position may be filled at the SES.2 or SES.3 level, depending on the candidate’s knowledge and related experience. The SES.3 level carries additional responsibilities for independent technical analysis, multidisciplinary technical expertise, and leadership of experiment design and analysis. The role may offer a hybrid schedule, with work-from-home flexibility one or more days per week after a probationary period. The schedule and office requirements depend on team and organizational needs. Travel may be minimal or substantial depending on project needs. This is a career-indefinite position open to Laboratory employees and external candidates. An active DOE Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance from another U.S. government agency is required at hire.

Requirements

At hire, hold an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency.
PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
Record of completing outstanding research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.
Experience with computer-based design and analysis of experiments.
Aptitude for mastering new fields of physics and a record of creativity, physical insight, and breadth of understanding in applications of complex physical processes.
Experience using advanced computational facilities for applied physics analysis and conducting applied physics research.
Verbal, written, and presentation skills to author technical and scientific reports, publications, and invited papers, and to deliver scientific presentations.
Experience working effectively independently and in a multidisciplinary team-research environment.
Self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems.
At the SES.3 level, advanced knowledge of physics, engineering, or a related field.
At the SES.3 level, significant experience and ability to lead independent work conducting applied physics research.
At the SES.3 level, a record of leading top-quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.
Submit a personalized cover letter highlighting qualifications and interest in the position.

Responsibilities

Assess complex physics interactions that take place in nuclear explosions.
Design and analyze experiments exploring the physics of nuclear explosives.
Simulate weapons phenomena and perform weapons assessment and certification tasks using physical models in computer codes.
Define and implement stockpile stewardship for specific weapons systems.
Present and disseminate research results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications, in open and classified environments, both internal and external to LLNL.
Interact with external stakeholders at DOE/NNSA and across the broader interagency, and potentially undertake offsite assignments.
Develop expertise in interrelated fields of physics important to weapons assessment and certification.
Travel as required by project needs and perform other duties as assigned.
At the SES.3 level, independently develop, assess, and provide in-depth analysis of complex nuclear-explosion physics interactions, including problems that may not be well defined.
At the SES.3 level, serve as a technical expert on multidisciplinary teams and guide analysis and lead the design of experiments exploring nuclear-explosive physics.