High Performance Computing Software Engineer (Scientist 2)

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

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking skilled candidates for the development and optimization of algorithms for high-performance computing. The role encompasses research in applied physics and engineering models, implementation into production codes, and supporting users.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and significant experience with C++ and parallel computing. This position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM, and includes requirements for mentorship and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional knowledge in software modernization and performance optimization.
• Experience with massively parallel numerical development and simulation.
• Proven proficiency with modern C++; experience in Fortran and C.
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize cutting-edge algorithms for massively parallel multi-physics codes.
• Research and implement applied physics and engineering models into production codes.
• Test and validate methods; educate users adopting these methods.

Skills

Software modernization

Performance optimization

Massively parallel numerical development

C++ proficiency

Collaboration

Mentoring experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field

Tools

C++

Fortran

C

Job description

What You Will Do

The Eulerian Codes Group (XCP-2) seeks exceptionally skilled candidates to develop and optimize cutting‑edge algorithms for massively parallel multi‑physics codes on heterogeneous high‑performance computing platforms. XCP‑2 staff span a wide range of computational physics disciplines, including software engineering, 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.

Key responsibilities include research and development of applied physics and engineering models; implementation of these methods into production codes using best software‑development practices; testing and validation of the methods; and education and support for users adopting these methods.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated professional knowledge in software modernization and performance optimization.
• High Performance Computing: Experience with massively parallel numerical development and simulation, and deployment of algorithms to heterogeneous computing architectures.
• Software Engineering & Design: Proven proficiency with modern C++; experience in Fortran and C, development of multi‑physics scientific codes, and software‑engineering practices and user support is preferred.
• Collaboration: Ability to function effectively in a team environment, willingness to learn new skills, and professional conduct in interactions with co‑workers and supervisors.
• Mentorship: Experience mentoring students, postdocs, and/or junior staff.
• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution and at least 4 years of related experience, or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in applied mathematics, physics, engineering or a related field.
• DOE Q Clearance.
• Experience in C++ template metaprogramming and compile‑time programming techniques, and deep knowledge of C++ standards.
• Experience with LANL’s mission and research environment, including impact on programmatic deliverables for the nuclear weapons program.

Work Location

The position is onsite at 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 role is 1 year.

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.

Applicant Eligibility

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), 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, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.