R&D Scientific Software Developer - Scientist 1

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules and PTO

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is looking for two Scientists for a 2-year term appointment at their Los Alamos, NM location. In this role, candidates will develop user-friendly R&D software capabilities focused on national security challenges like power transmission and AI.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and programming experience in Python and MATLAB. Ideal candidates will work in a collaborative environment supporting projects for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Qualifications

• 2 years of related experience in a multidisciplinary scientific environment.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q and SCI security clearances requires U.S. citizenship.
• Programming experience in multiple languages preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support development of user-friendly R&D software capabilities.
• Work on deliverable-focused engineering tasks for the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Collaborate across different disciplines on real-world applications.

Skills

Programming experience in Python and MATLAB

Collaborative software development

Excellent oral and written skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field

Tools

git

Kubernetes

AWS

Job description

What You Will Do

Join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security; the work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world.

We are looking for outstanding candidates in the field of computer science, electrical engineering, or related fields with a strong aptitude in application development. This position will support the development of user‑friendly R&D software capabilities for advanced decision support and analysis on the cutting edge to solve constantly evolving, emergent national security challenges.

Areas of active research with immediate needs are broad and include power transmission and distribution, microgrids, artificial intelligence and machine learning including large language models (LLMs), and stochastic optimization for strategic deterrence. The candidate is expected to work in a collaborative environment across different disciplines and demonstrate the ability to pivot across a variety of research areas.

This position is part of the Computational Intelligence & Modeling Group (A-1), who facilitate the application of trusted, cutting‑edge modeling, simulation, and data‑driven intelligence capabilities backed by rigorous engineering and validation to enable rapid, evidence‑based decision‑making for critical national and global security challenges. A-1 is the essential connection between research frontiers and mission success, where innovative research and development (R&D) transforms information on global threats into knowledge to keep decision makers ahead of the curve.

Agility and adaptability are highly prized and emphasized; because the global threat landscape constantly evolves, so too does A-1’s R&D portfolio. Some examples of A-1’s current stakeholders include the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of War, Department of Homeland Security, Intelligence Community, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and many others. To achieve this, A-1 has a diverse team of subject matter experts, from mathematicians and economists to engineers and physicists to computer and data scientists.

We are expecting to hire two Scientists to an initial 2‑year term appointment. In the short‑term, candidates are expected to work on deliverable‑focused engineering tasks for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, e.g., developing software applications in Julia, API development, demonstration of tools on real‑world applications, and collaboration with other laboratories on multi‑lab projects. This will involve research on topics that include phase unbalanced power system modeling, control and optimization of transmission and distribution networks under uncertainty, design of resilient networks, and/or analysis of interdependent networks.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Programming experience in Python and MATLAB.
• Experience with collaborative software development and related tools (e.g., git).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multidisciplinary scientific environment.
• Demonstrated dedication to continuous learning and a high level of self‑motivation and independence.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written skills.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q and SCI security clearances, which generally requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/Experience:

Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Programming experience in multiple languages (e.g., Julia, Rust, Java, C/C++, R, JavaScript, and/or TypeScript), in addition to the minimum required programming experience.
• Experience with front‑end web and/or application development.
• Experience with high‑performance computing, cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes, AWS, etc.
• Experience developing APIs and data schemas for software communication.
• Experience in electric power transmission, distribution, and/or microgrid modeling.
• Experience formulating and solving mathematical optimization problems and background in disciplines such as optimization and control theory.
• An M.S. in electrical engineering, computer science or a related field within the past 5 years.

Work Environment

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.

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)

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.