Nuclear Weapons Scientist (Scientist 2/3)

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

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with match

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Job summary

A national nuclear research facility in Los Alamos, NM is seeking Scientists at levels 2 and 3. Responsibilities include solving national security problems using advanced physics and computing methods, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating on projects related to nuclear weapons design and analysis. Candidates should have a strong STEM background, with a Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, flexible work schedules, and generous retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with multi-physics and radiation transport codes.
• Commitment to quality research and professional integrity.
• Experience mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop capability to solve problems of national security interest.
• Contribute to experimental design and project-based model development.
• Lead projects relying on knowledge of nuclear weapons.

Skills

Problem-solving capabilities

Technical leadership

Scientific communication

Collaboration on multidisciplinary research

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Master's degree in a STEM field

PhD preferred

Job description

Overview

What You Will Do
• The position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities outlined below will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level. X‑Theoretical Design (XTD) is a national resource for deterrence of existing or emerging threats. We are experts in the physics of nuclear weapons, tasked with designing nuclear explosives for the US stockpile, bolstering the nation's nuclear triad capability and assessing global nuclear threats. We use advanced theoretical, numerical and experimental methods to understand nuclear weapons design, performance, and safety. XTD scientists come from diverse backgrounds and fields—including physics, engineering, mathematics, and other natural sciences. We prioritize learning, scholarship, and independent thinking, and collaborate across disciplines, divisions, academia, other laboratories and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough capability to solve problems of national security interest with large multi‑physics and/or radiation transport codes.
• Contribute to experimental design, model development, data evaluation, and/or code validation on a project‑by‑project basis.
• Lead projects that rely on knowledge of nuclear weapons and mentor junior staff (Scientist 3 level).

Qualifications

1. Scientist 2:
   • Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following—developing, running, or validating complex multi‑physics and/or radiation transport codes; experimental design and analysis; theoretical or analytic work that underpins computational physics models or experimental design.
   • Professional Skills: Commitment to quality research, technical and scientific excellence, professional integrity, scientific communication, and support of diverse viewpoints.
   • Collaboration: Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment on multidisciplinary research problems.
   • Technical Contributions: Documented history of technical contributions to a scientific field (publications, technical talks, patents, etc.).
2. Scientist 3:
   • All Scientist 2 qualifications, plus technical leadership and supervisory/mentoring experience.

Education and Experience

• Scientist 2: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Scientist 3: Master’s degree in a STEM field and 6 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• PhD preferred with postdoctoral work in Physics, Computational Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Active DOE Q clearance.
• Experience with large‑scale computing.
• Familiarity with the design and analysis of nuclear weapons.
• Knowledge and experience relative to uncertainty and/or risk analysis.
• Relevant military and/or intelligence experience.

Work Location & Environment

Location: Onsite, Los Alamos, NM. Position requires a 1‑year continuous commitment.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% match plus 3.5% annual increase)
• 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 & Eligibility

Position will be cleared to Q level. Selected applicants must be U.S. citizens, except in extremely rare circumstances. The role requires a background investigation and compliance with DOE Order 472.2 and NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Eligibility includes age 18+, legal residence status, and relevant national security restrictions. A new‑employment drug test is required; positive marijuana test results will result in termination of employment.

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, disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, or citizenship within the limits of applicable 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.