Optics Inspection Analysis Software Developer

Optics Inspection Analysis Software Developer

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 nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi‑domain defense, empowering teams to tackle the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow.

We have an opening on the Optics Inspection Analysis team at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). You will help modernize and maintain the Optics Inspection image processing and analysis codebase, establishing a modern, maintainable foundation that enables the development of enhanced analysis capabilities and innovation. The role resides in the NIF Computing (NIFC) Division within the Computing Directorate, supporting NIF and Photon Science.

The position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in‑person and virtual presence with the flexibility to work from home several days per week. It will be filled at either the SES.
3 or SES.
4 level, with additional responsibilities assigned at the higher level.

• Analyze existing image processing and analysis code (primarily MATLAB, Perl, and Java), document functionality and requirements, and create specifications for reimplementation.
• Reimplement MATLAB image processing routines in Python using appropriate libraries (OpenCV, scikit‑image, etc.) while preserving accuracy and functionality.
• Implement comprehensive unit tests, integration tests, and performance benchmarks to ensure code correctness, robustness, and performance.
• Maintain and enhance the modernized code base per customer needs and project priorities, documenting code, processes, procedures, and system architecture.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and documentation of coding standards, testing frameworks, version control workflows, and CI/CD practices.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend tools, utilities, and libraries to improve development processes and workflows, and enhance software capabilities.
• Actively collaborate with team members, participate in code reviews, and work with NIF scientists, stakeholders, and customers to clarify requirements and validate implementations.
• Mentor team members in Python, software development best practices, and modern software engineering techniques.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Provide technical direction and leadership in image processing, researching, developing, and implementing innovative and advanced analysis methods while mentoring colleagues within and beyond NIF & PS.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring in Python and software development to team members and collaborators, promoting modern practices within and beyond NIFC.
• Shape the architecture, technical strategy, and lead the evolution of the analysis software code base, analysis methods, and engineering practices by anticipating future needs and proactively researching, identifying, and evaluating appropriate libraries, tools, and techniques, and championing their use.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Significant software development experience using Python 3 as the primary development language, with advanced knowledge of Python’s fundamental concepts and idiomatic practices.
• Significant experience with image processing or signal processing in Python, using libraries such as OpenCV and scikit‑image, and scientific computing libraries such as Num Py, Sci Py, and Pandas.
• Advanced knowledge of MATLAB code and programming, including the ability to understand MATLAB code and document its functionality, and experience implementing automated testing to ensure code quality.
• Significant experience with code profiling and performance optimization.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate in a team environment and present technical information to both technical and…