Research Scientist​/Computational Physicist

Description

Support nuclear weapons effects simulations, specifically in the areas of radiation hydrodynamics and shock-hydrodynamics and all associated physics with the development of modeling and simulation tools. Develop new simulated sensors to duplicate the response of fielded systems. Develop analysis and visualization capabilities to turn the simulation results into knowledge.

Learn the details of nuclear device explosion modeling and simulation with emphasis on radiation hydrodynamics and shock hydrodynamics including the radiation opacity, electron transport, and associated physical processes that govern the expansion of the initial fireball and the entrainment of ambient air and the processes involved in underwater bursts.

Locations: Candidates may be located in San Diego, CA, Springfield, VA, or Albuquerque, NM. Some telework will be considered, but must be willing and able to work in the office alongside more senior staff on a regular basis.

• PhD in Physics, preferably shock physics, plasma physics, or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with 0-10 years experience.
• Experience with radiation transport and/or CFD codes.
• Experience with high performance computing.

Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance; candidates with a Top Secret clearance are preferred.

The more experience, the better the candidate. Experience can be in any high performance computing simulation field, but physical and/or sensor simulation preferred.

For U.S. Positions:
Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range: Pay Range $ - $

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos  name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process. Leidos will only communicate through emails generated by the  automated system.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.