Senior​/Principal Diagnostic Scientist - X-ray Instrumentation, Onsite

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• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401(k), learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

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The X‑ray Diagnostics and Experimental Systems group is seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to lead the development of advanced x‑ray imaging and spectroscopy instrumentation for experiments conducted on the Z Machine, the world’s most powerful pulsed‑power facility.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research in high‑energy‑density (HED) physics, working closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technologists. The role will involve close collaboration across several organizations within the Pulsed Power Sciences Center at Sandia to lead the development of new x‑ray imaging and spectroscopic diagnostics aimed at addressing key questions about the hot plasmas generated with the Z‑machine, as well as maintaining our Center’s leadership in advancing x‑ray instrumentation across the high‑energy‑density (HED) physics community.

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of novel x‑ray diagnostics for Z Machine experiments.
• Analyze x‑ray imaging and spectroscopic data to extract physical insights into hot plasma behavior.
• Develop and apply calibration techniques for existing and new x‑ray diagnostics.
• Troubleshoot deployed systems and ensure the delivery of high‑quality experimental data.
• Collaborate across organizations within the Pulsed Power Sciences Center and with external partners.
• Present your research at national and international conferences.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Travel occasionally (2–3 weeks per year) for collaboration or conference participation.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

$114,000 - $227,500

* Salary range is estimated, and the actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

• Graduate degree in Physics or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• PhD in plasma physics, electrical engineering, nuclear physics, or a related STEM field.
• Experience preparing research for dissemination through presentations at national conferences and peer‑reviewed publications in top journals.
• Experience designing and fielding x‑ray imaging and/or x‑ray spectroscopy instrumentation for 1 to 100 keV x‑rays.
• Experience as a principal investigator for experimental campaigns on small‑scale, university HED facilities or large facilities such as Omega, Z, or NIF.
• Experience with calibrating and analyzing x‑ray spectral data.
• Knowledge…