High Explosives Computational Physicist (Scientist 1)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 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

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules and PTO

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking an exceptional candidate for a computational modeling position in Los Alamos, NM. The role involves developing high explosives models within advanced scientific computing frameworks. A Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and relevant experience in computational modeling are required.

Teamwork and communication skills are essential, with the position demanding proficiency in Fortran, C, or C++. A focus on high-performance computing is desired. This role offers a generous benefits package and requires US citizenship for clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated professional knowledge in computational modeling.
• Experience in teamwork and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement high explosives models.
• Test and validate computational modeling methods.
• Support users adopting new methods in collaborative environments.

Skills

Computational modeling of high explosives

Proficiency in Fortran, C, or C++

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field

Tools

High-performance computing

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

For this role you must have demonstrated professional knowledge and experience in computational modeling of high explosives, reactive flow, or chemical kinetics.

Software Engineering & Design

You will need to have 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

Teamwork is essential to the success of our group. As such you will need to have demonstrated the ability to function effectively in a team environment with a willingness to learn new skills and be flexible in work assignments. This includes exhibiting professional conduct in interactions with co‑workers and supervisors.

Communication

Communication skills are critical in our group. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.

Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires US Citizenship.

Education/Experience:

Position requires a 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

It would be great if you have experience with massively parallel numerical development and simulation, and experience deploying numerical algorithms to heterogeneous computing architectures.

Mission Focus

Candidates that demonstrate experience with LANL’s mission and research environment including impact on programmatic deliverables for the nuclear weapons program will be given preference.

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 for this position is 1 year.

Note To Applicants

• Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
• Applicants should submit a CV/Resume and cover letter. The cover letter should be composed of a one‑page career narrative followed by a bulleted list of the applicant’s relevant experience for each requirement.
• Contact: Brandon Smith ([e-mail])

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• 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. Please note that 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 (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. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*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.