Weapons Test Scientist; Scientist

Position: Weapons Test Scientist (Scientist 2/3)
** What You Will Do*
* ** This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.*
* The Weapons Verification and Validation Division (V-Division) ensures that weapon designs meet all requirements and perform as intended. The division verifies design compliance and validates performance through a combination of investigations, qualification tests, and evaluations. This mission is accomplished through close collaboration with organizations across the Weapons Engineering Directorate and the broader Nuclear Security Enterprise. V-Division carries out its work through assembly, non-destructive evaluation, test design and planning, test execution, and data analysis, all aimed at confirming the reliability and effectiveness of weapon systems.

The Weapons Test Execution Group (V-21) serves as the laboratory's center of excellence for complex weapon experimentation and system-level testing. V-21 is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing experiments ranging from component-level evaluations to full-scale integrated tests. These activities support weapon development, qualification, surveillance, stockpile assessment, and future modernization efforts. The group routinely collaborates with engineering, physics, manufacturing, and operations organizations across Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Nevada National Security Site, and other national security partners.

This position may be assigned to one of three V-21 teams:

+ Flight Systems Team - Supports qualification, development, and surveillance testing of weapon flight systems and associated environments.

+ Stockpile Survivability Team - Evaluates system performance and survivability under demanding mechanical, thermal, and operational environments.

+ Physics Validation Team - Supports integrated weapon experiments, hydrodynamic testing, and other experimental programs that provide critical validation data for stockpile stewardship.

As a Weapons Test Scientist, you will help develop, plan, execute, and analyze experiments that provide essential data supporting the nation's nuclear deterrent. You will work closely with interdisciplinary teams to define test objectives, coordinate resources, evaluate technical requirements, execute complex tests, and communicate results to customers and stakeholders.

This role offers unique opportunities to engage in challenging national security work while developing expertise across multiple scientific and engineering disciplines.

** Scientist 2 $ 106,400 - $176,000*
* At the Scientist 2 level, you will:

+ Support the planning and execution of development, qualification, surveillance, or validation experiments.

+ Develop test objectives, requirements, procedures, and technical documentation.

+ Coordinate activities across multiple organizations to ensure successful test execution.

+ Participate in experiment design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

+ Communicate technical status and results to customers, stakeholders, and team members.

+ Contribute to project planning, scheduling, and resource coordination.

+ Receive mentorship and guidance from senior staff while developing technical and leadership skills.

** Scientist 3 $ 128,000 - $215,900*
* In addition to the responsibilities listed above, Scientist 3 staff are expected to:

+ Lead significant portions of complex test programs and experimental campaigns.

+ Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior staff.

+ Independently develop test strategies, schedules, and resource plans.

+ Interface directly with customers and senior stakeholders to define future testing needs.

+ Lead multidisciplinary teams in the execution of high-visibility experiments.

+ Represent the team during formal reviews, technical briefings, and strategic planning activities.

+ Serve as a recognized technical contributor within the organization.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* ** Technical and Scientific Skills*
* + Demonstrated experience applying scientific principles to experimental design, testing, analysis, or validation activities.

+ Experience planning, conducting, or supporting laboratory, field, engineering, or physics-based experiments.

+ Ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop practical solutions.

+ Experience interpreting and communicating scientific or technical data.

+ Understanding of systems-level thinking and the integration of multidisciplinary technical activities.

** Communication Skills*
* + Strong written and verbal communication skills.

+ Experience preparing technical reports, presentations, publications, or formal documentation.

+ Ability to communicate technical concepts to audiences with varying levels of expertise.

+ Experience collaborating with customers, stakeholders, and…