Shock Physics Post-Baccalaureate Student

What You Will Do

The Shock Physics Team in the Shock and Detonation Physics Group (M-9) is seeking outstanding candidates for a Post-Baccalaureate (Postbac) Student position with a Fall 2026 start date. This position will support ongoing research in the Shock Physics Team, including developing experimental hardware designs, creating engineering drawings of parts, and assisting with fielding experiments. Experience in making engineering drawings and 3D model assemblies (CAD, Solid Works, Inventor), machining, fielding or supporting experiments, data acquisition systems, and oscilloscope data collection are relevant to this position.

Applicants are expected to contribute to the Team through collaboration and engagement with the scientists, engineers, and technicians with active communication. The individual will have opportunities to support experiments using a diverse set of platforms including those at LANL's Dynamic Equation of State facility with several gas and powder guns, at X-ray user facilities such as the Dynamic Compression Sector at Argonne National Laboratory, and at Sandia's Z-machine.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Experience with engineering drawing software (e.g. Solid Works, Inventor, general CAD)
• Experience with mechanical design
• Experience with data acquisition systems (e.g. Lab View, oscilloscopes)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with strong communication abilities
• BS in mechanical or aerospace engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or related engineering or science degree

Education/Experience: Awarded a bachelor's degree in a STEM related field from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 within the last three years.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with machining, hand tools, fabrication, 3D printing
• Experience with high-rate experimental diagnostics and oscilloscope operation
• Research experience in shock physics, high pressure science, condensed matter physics, materials science, high-rate mechanics, and/or time-resolved measurements of materials properties
• Prior internship or job experience in the topics described
• Have held a DOE Q clearance or other US security clearance within the last 5 years
• Willingness to learn to work safely with high explosives

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People s Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Regular travel to scientific conferences, beamline experiments, and programmatic scientific exchanges is expected

A Q-clearance will be required

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• 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)

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens.

Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility requirements:
  To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of…