High Performance Computing Software Engineer (Scientist 3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; 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) (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)

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking exceptional candidates to develop and optimize algorithms for multi-physics codes on high-performance computing platforms. You will apply expertise in software modernization, lead project teams, and mentor junior staff while ensuring research and development of critical national security technologies.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in a STEM field and possesses extensive experience in C++. Located in Los Alamos, New Mexico, this role offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Advanced-level expertise in software modernization.
• Experience mentoring students and junior staff.
• Proven ability to manage projects from start to finish.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize algorithms for multi-physics codes.
• Test and validate methods for production codes.
• Provide education and support to users.

Skills

Software modernization and performance optimization

Massively parallel numerical simulations

Modern C++

Fortran and C

Teamwork

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in a STEM field

Tools

C++ (advanced techniques)

Fortran

Job description

What You Will Do

The Eulerian Codes Group (XCP-2) is looking for exceptional 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. 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 advanced‑level expertise and leadership experience in software modernization and performance optimization.

High Performance Computing

Proven expertise in developing and implementing massively parallel numerical simulations, with demonstrated experience deploying numerical algorithms across heterogeneous computing architectures.

Software Engineering & Design

Recognized proficiency with modern C++. Applicants with experience in Fortran and C languages and the development of multi‑physics scientific codes, including software engineering practices and user support, will be given preference.

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.

Mentorship

At this level you will be expected to have experience mentoring students, postdocs and/or more junior staff.

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.
• Proficiency in advanced C++ techniques (template metaprogramming, compile‑time programming) and C++ standards knowledge strongly preferred.
• Experience working within LANL’s research environment and demonstrated impact on nuclear weapons program deliverables strongly preferred.

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.

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.