Computational Modeling Scientist, Metal Additive Manufacturing

HRL Laboratories, LLC; California (MO); On-site; USD 141,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

HRL Laboratories, LLC in California seeks a highly qualified researcher to advance metal additive manufacturing through computational modeling and experimental collaboration. The role envisions growing into a Principal Investigator who conceives, proposes, and leads new research initiatives.

You will drive analytical and computational analyses, develop digital twin capabilities, and translate fundamental materials understanding into scalable solutions for real-world AM applications.

Qualifications

• PhD or Postdoctoral experience in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in computational modeling and familiarity with current and emerging AI/ML methods relevant to materials and process optimization.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in software such as ABAQUS, COMSOL, or MOOSE.
• Experience with mesoscale microstructure modeling techniques such as phase field, cellular automata, and kinetic Monte Carlo methods.
• Proficiency in Python or C++ for data analysis and integration with simulation workflows.
• Experience with Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, Keras, or TensorFlow for engineering and materials problems.
• Experience with Scientific Machine Learning (SciML) for surrogate model development.
• Experience in scientific communication through presentations and journal publications.
• Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments is a plus.
• Experience with Laser Powder Bed Fusion metal additive manufacturing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support advanced R&D programs in metal additive manufacturing, working with interdisciplinary teams to drive breakthroughs.
• Plan and execute analytical and computational analyses and modeling with a focus on continuum methods and digital twins.
• Communicate complex modeling results clearly through presentations and technical reports.
• Translate materials and process understanding into practical, scalable solutions for real-world AM applications.
• Plan and manage project components including timelines, deliverables, and resources.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to validate models and refine predictive capabilities.
• Present at conferences and publish in journals.

Skills

Computational modeling

AI/ML methods for materials

Scientific communication

Experiment planning

Additive manufacturing experience

Machine learning libraries

Education

PhD or Postdoctoral in Materials Science/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ABAQUS

COMSOL

MOOSE

Python

C++

Scikit-Learn

PyTorch

Keras

TensorFlow

Job description

In this role, you will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on a high-profile, America Makes funded project shaping the future of metal additive manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have an interest in growing into a Principal Investigator (PI) that will conceive, propose and lead new research initiatives.

• Support advanced R&D programs in metal additive manufacturing, working closely with interdisciplinary teams to drive scientific and technological breakthroughs.
• Plan and execute analytical and computational analysis and modeling with a focus on continuum methods and digital twin development.
• Communicate complex modeling results clearly through presentations, technical reports, and collaborative discussions with team members, management and project sponsors.
• Translate fundamental materials and process understanding into practical, scalable solutions for real-world additive manufacturing applications.
• Plan and manage key project components- including timelines, deliverables, and resources to ensure successful execution and meaningful impact.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to validate models, compare simulation outputs with measurement data, and refine predictive capabilities.
• Interact with the broader community by presenting at conferences and publishing in journals.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or Postdoctoral experience in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in computational modeling and familiarity with current and emerging AI/ ML methods relevant to materials and process optimization.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis FEA (e.g., ABAQUS, COMSOL, MOOSE)
• Experience with mesoscale microstructure modeling techniques such as phase field, cellular automata, and kinetic Monte Carlo methods.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++ for data analysis and integration with simulation workflows.
• Experience using machine learning libraries such as Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, Keras, or TensorFlow to solve engineering and materials science problems.
• Experience with Scientific Machine Learning (SciML) for surrogate model development
• Experience in scientific communication through technical presentations and journal publications.
• Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments is a plus
• Experience with Laser Powder Bed Fusion metal additive manufacturing is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform extended computational modeling and analysis at a workstation.

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range: $140,700 - $175,900
• Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Benefits: HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: https://www.hrl.com/careers/benefits

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

For our privacy policy please visit: www.hrl.com/privacy