High Explosives Computational Physicist (Scientist 3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking candidates for a position focused on the development and implementation of high explosives models within multi-physics codes. The job involves research and development of applied physics models and providing mentorship.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in a STEM field and 6 years of relevant experience. The work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM, and applicants must meet eligibility requirements for Q clearance.

Qualifications

• Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field and 6 years of relevant experience.
• Proven ability to mentor students and junior staff.
• Experience with deploying algorithms on heterogeneous computing architectures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement high explosives models in multi-physics codes.
• Research applied physics and engineering models, testing, and validation.
• Provide mentorship and support to users adopting these methods.

Skills

Computational modeling of high explosives

Modern Fortran, C, or C++

Team collaboration

Mentorship

Project management

High Performance Computing

Education

Master’s degree in a STEM field

Tools

Numerical simulation tools

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

• Technical Knowledge Thorough professional knowledge, experience, and leadership in computational modeling of high explosives, reactive flow, or chemical kinetics.
• Software Engineering & Design Advanced 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 success. Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a team environment with willingness to learn new skills and be flexible in work assignments. Includes exhibiting professional conduct in interactions with co‑workers and supervisors.
• Mentorship Proven ability to mentor and guide students, postdocs, and junior staff members.
• Funding & Project Management Proven track record of securing and expanding funding for small to medium-sized projects, with demonstrated experience successfully leading such projects from inception to completion.
• Education/Experience Position requires a Master’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
• Desired Qualifications Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or closely related discipline preferred.
• High Performance Computing 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

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.

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 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.

Contact: Brandon Smith ([e-mail])

Where You Will Work

• 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)

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.

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.

Regular position

Term status 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. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.