Nuclear Weapons Scientist; Scientist

Overview

What You Will Do

• The position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities outlined below will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level. X‑Theoretical Design (XTD) is a national resource for deterrence of existing or emerging threats. We are experts in the physics of nuclear weapons, tasked with designing nuclear explosives for the US stockpile, bolstering the nation's nuclear triad capability and assessing global nuclear threats.

We use advanced theoretical, numerical and experimental methods to understand nuclear weapons design, performance, and safety. XTD scientists come from diverse backgrounds and fields—including physics, engineering, mathematics, and other natural sciences. We prioritize learning, scholarship, and independent thinking, and collaborate across disciplines, divisions, academia, other laboratories and agencies.

• Develop a thorough capability to solve problems of national security interest with large multi‑physics and/or radiation transport codes.
• Contribute to experimental design, model development, data evaluation, and/or code validation on a project‑by‑project basis.
• Lead projects that rely on knowledge of nuclear weapons and mentor junior staff (Scientist 3 level).

• Scientist 2:
  Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Scientist 3:
  Master’s degree in a STEM field and 6 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• PhD preferred with postdoctoral work in Physics, Computational Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Active DOE Q clearance.
• Experience with large‑scale computing.
• Familiarity with the design and analysis of nuclear weapons.
• Knowledge and experience relative to uncertainty and/or risk analysis.
• Relevant military and/or intelligence experience.

Location:

Onsite, Los Alamos, NM. Position requires a 1‑year continuous commitment.

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% match plus 3.5% annual increase)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50‑mile radius)

Position will be cleared to Q level. Selected applicants must be U.S. citizens, except in extremely rare circumstances. The role requires a background investigation and compliance with DOE Order 472.2 and NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Eligibility includes age 18+, legal residence status, and relevant national security restrictions. A new‑employment drug test is required; positive marijuana test results will result in termination of employment.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, or citizenship within the limits of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.