Design Physicist - Active Security Clearance Required

LLNL•Livermore, CA

4d•$146,340 - $222,564•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring a Physical Scientist and Engineer for its Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate. The role supports LLNL’s national-security mission through computational, theoretical, and experimental physics related to complex nuclear-explosive processes. Under limited direction, the successful candidate will advance understanding and develop methodologies for national-security challenges. The role may offer a hybrid schedule, including work from home one or more days per week after a probationary period; the schedule depends on team and organizational needs. The position may be filled at the SES.2 or SES.3 level, depending on the candidate’s knowledge and experience. The SES.3 level includes additional independent technical analysis, team leadership, and experiment-design responsibilities. The position is Career Indefinite and open to Lab employees and external candidates. A personalized cover letter is requested with the application.

Requirements

Active DOE Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent 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 physics fields, with 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.
Proficient verbal, written, and presentation skills to author technical and scientific reports, publications, and invited papers, and to deliver scientific presentations.
Experience working effectively both 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 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 occurring in nuclear explosions.
Design and analyze experiments that explore 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 findings at scientific conferences and through peer-reviewed publications in open and classified environments, internally and externally to LLNL.
Develop expertise in interrelated physics fields important to weapons assessment and certification.
Travel as project needs require, minimally or substantially.
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 a multidisciplinary team.
At the SES.3 level, guide analysis and lead the design of experiments exploring the physics of nuclear explosives.
Responsibilities may include interacting with DOE/NNSA and broader interagency stakeholders, including through offsite assignments.