Nonlinear Computational Analysis Engineer

Overview

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) seeks experienced Nonlinear Computational Analysis Engineers with a strong background in computational mechanics, material failure, high-rate dynamics, and multi-physics analysis. The role supports design and assessment for complex mechanical systems using massively parallel, high-performance nonlinear hydrostructural analysis codes. Projects align with LLNL's Strategic Deterrence, National Ignition Facility & Photon Science, or Global Security mission areas, including high-priority national security efforts in missile defense, space science and security, and laser applications.

These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate.

These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

• Assess and contribute to the response of complex mechanical systems subject to high-rate loading, including laser-matter interaction, blast and hypervelocity impact problems, as part of a multi-disciplinary project team.
• Work under limited direction to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks in a multi-disciplinary team environment, including the development of large, geometrically complex finite element models.
• Apply comprehensive technical knowledge to guide the successful completion of project goals, including the assessment of the post-failure response of materials and structures subjected to high-rate loadings.
• Perform verification analyses to check computational methods against analytical solutions and verify that methods converge properly; participate in technical peer review processes to ensure analytical rigor and quality.
• Collaborate in training, briefings, or other program-related events, including meetings with sponsors, other DOE Laboratories, and U.S. government agencies, which may require occasional travel.
• Ensure appropriate security requirements are met for all levels of classified/unclassified information with limited direction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Work independently to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks in a multi-disciplinary team environment, where commitments and deadlines are critical to project success.
• Apply advanced technical knowledge and methodologies to guide the completion of project and organizational goals; serve as the primary technical contact on tasks and projects.
• Resolve technical objectives and criteria to satisfy project objectives and execute appropriate technical approaches with minimal direction.
• Collaborate with technical area leaders, project leaders, and program management to represent technical capabilities and project results to internal management and external sponsors.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, structural/applied mechanics or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computational structural mechanics, with experience in one or more: material failure, high-rate system dynamics, hypervelocity impact, explosive modeling, or laser-matter interaction.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to present and explain technical information, document work, and provide technical summaries to project leadership.
• Experience using programming or scripting languages such as Python to facilitate technical analysis.
• Experience documenting research results in formal reports.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to travel.

• Advanced knowledge of computational structural mechanics and modeling techniques, with experience in material damage and failure mechanisms, high-rate dynamics, hypervelocity impact, explosive modeling, or laser-matter interaction.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to collaborate in a team, guide technical direction, and present proposals.
• Significant experience using programming or scripting languages such as Python for complex technical analysis.

• PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, structural/applied mechanics or related field.
• Knowledge of advanced constitutive models for metals, composites, ceramics, foams, geologic materials, or polymers.
• Experience in large-scale scientific facilities, experimental programs, or national laboratory environments.
• Experience with NNSA laboratory codes or NIF-specific simulation codes in production analysis environments.
• Ability to secure and maintain access to Sensitive Compartments Information (SCI).

$146,340 - $222,564 Annually

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.
2 level

$175,530 - $222,564…