Computational Modeling Scientist – Metal AM

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

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.