High Explosives Computational Physicist (Scientist 1)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks exceptional candidates for a role focused on developing and implementing high-explosives models as part of the Advanced Scientific Computing Program.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, with expertise in computational modeling and programming in languages like Fortran and C++. Candidates must possess strong teamwork and communication skills, as well as the ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional knowledge and experience in computational modeling of high explosives.
• Proficiency with modern Fortran, C, or C++. Experience in multi-physics scientific codes.
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement high-explosives models.
• Test and validate developed methods.
• Educate users on the adopted methodologies.

Skills

Computational modeling

Software Engineering

Team collaboration

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Tools

Fortran

C

C++

Job description

What You Will Do

The Eulerian Codes Group (XCP-2) is looking for exceptional candidates to develop, implement, and exercise high‑explosives models in our massively parallel multi‑physics codes as part of the Advanced Scientific Computing (ASC) Program. XCP‑2 staff span a wide range of computational physics modeling disciplines including numerical fluid and solid mechanics, materials science, radiation hydrodynamics, plasma physics, turbulence, magnetohydrodynamics, high explosives, nuclear physics and engineering, and neutral and charged particle transport. Other XCP‑2 research efforts focus on the development and optimization of cutting‑edge physics algorithms for performance on both homogeneous and heterogeneous high‑performance computing platforms. The duties of our well‑compensated professionals include research and development of applied physics and engineering models, the implementation of these methods into production codes using excellent software development practices, the testing and validation of these methods, and the education and support of users as they adopt these methods.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated professional knowledge and experience in computational modeling of high explosives, reactive flow, or chemical kinetics.

Software Engineering & Design: Proficiency with modern Fortran, C, or C++ and/or experience in the development of multi‑physics scientific codes, including software engineering practices and user support.

Collaboration: Ability to function effectively in a team environment with willingness to learn new skills and be flexible in work assignments. Exhibiting professional conduct in interactions with co‑workers and supervisors.

Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Clearance: Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

High Performance Computing: Experience with massively parallel numerical development and simulation, and experience deploying numerical algorithms to heterogeneous computing architectures.

Mission Focus: Experience with LANL's mission and research environment including impact on programmatic deliverables for the nuclear weapons program.

Education: B.S. degree in applied mathematics, physics, engineering or related field. M.S. or Ph.D. may be preferred.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Benefits

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages outside a 50‑mile radius

Additional Details

Directive 206.2: Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q – The position will be cleared to this level. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. The position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New‑Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance‑abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.