High Explosives Computational Physicist (Scientist 2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Learning opportunities

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking candidates to develop high explosives models within the Advanced Scientific Computing Program. This role involves working on multi-physics codes and requires expertise in computational modeling, experience in programming (Fortran, C, C++), and the ability to mentor junior staff.

Qualified candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and have substantial processing experience. Benefits include competitive medical benefits, a 401(k) matching plan, and flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge and experience in computational modeling.
• Experience with multi-physics scientific codes.
• Ability to work in a team and mentor others.
• Bachelor's degree and 4 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement high explosives models.
• Conduct testing and validation of physics methods.
• Educate and support users in adopting methods.

Skills

Computational modeling of high explosives

Modern Fortran, C, or C++

Team collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Advanced science (MS or PhD)

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

• Demonstrated professional knowledge and experience in computational modeling of high explosives, reactive flow, or chemical kinetics.
• Recognized 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.
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment with a willingness to learn new skills and be flexible in work assignments, and exhibit professional conduct in interactions with co‑workers and supervisors.
• Experience mentoring students, postdocs and/or more junior staff.
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced science (MS or PhD) degree in applied mathematics, physics, engineering or related field. Preference will be given to candidates with a M.S. or Ph.D.
• 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.

Work Location and Commitment

Location: Onsite, Los Alamos, NM. Commitment: Regular appointment employees 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. 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)

Eligibility Restrictions

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, 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.

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 US citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance

Q clearance required. 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, which requires US citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

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. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Regular Position

Laboratory employees applying for regular‑status positions are converted to regular status.

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.