Design Physicist - Security Clearance Required

Overview

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas: nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense, empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We are seeking exceptional Physical Scientists and Engineers with backgrounds in fields such as plasma physics, radiation transport, atomic physics, nuclear physics, physical chemistry, condensed matter physics, computational physics, or hydrodynamics. Our national-security mission encompasses aspects of computational, theoretical, and experimental physics associated with the complex processes of nuclear explosives. Under limited direction, you will be responsible for advancing our understanding and developing methodologies for important national-security challenges.

These positions are in the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

These positions may offer a hybrid schedule, including the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. Specifics of the hybrid schedule may vary based on team and organizational needs. Positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team.

Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

• Assess the complex physics interactions that take place in nuclear explosion.
• Design and provide analysis of 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 both open and classified environments, internal and external to LLNL. Responsibilities may also include interacting with external stakeholders, both at DOE/NNSA and across the broader interagency, as well as via offsite assignments.
• Develop expertise in interrelated fields of physics important to weapons assessment and certification.
• Travel minimally or substantially based on project needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Independently develop, assess and provide in-depth analysis of complex physics interactions in nuclear explosions where problems may not be well defined.
• Work as technical expert on multidisciplinary teams.
• Guide the analysis and lead the design of experiments exploring the physics of nuclear explosives.

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (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 level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Demonstrated record of completing outstanding research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.
• Experience with computer-based design and analysis of experiments.
• Demonstrated aptitude for mastering new fields of physics; a record of creativity, physical insight, and breadth of understanding in applications of complex physical processes.
• Experience in using advanced computational facilities for applied physics analysis and conducting applied physics research.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and presentation skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports, publications, invited papers, and to deliver scientific presentations.
• Experience working effectively independently and in a multidisciplinary, team-research environment.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems.

• Advanced knowledge of physics, engineering, or a related field.
• Significant experience and ability to lead independent work conducting applied physics research.
• Demonstrated record of leading top quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.

Please include a personalized cover letter with your application, highlighting your qualifications and why you re interested in this position.

$146,340 - $222,564 Annually
$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.
2 level
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.
3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location,…