Software Developer (Scientist 2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work availability

Relocation assistance

Medical — PPO/HD

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a talented Software Developer (Scientist 2) within the ASENT team of the Nuclear Systems Group (NEN-5) to support mission-critical nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation applications. The role blends building new software with modernizing legacy systems across diverse projects.

You'll contribute as a versatile full-stack developer, collaborating with cross-functional teams, writing tests, and deploying applications using contemporary development practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM with 4+ years related experience or equivalent.
• Experience delivering software in high-security or national-security environments.
• Ability to navigate compliance, controlled networks, and access controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop new software for a broad internal and external user base.
• Maintain and modify existing software per customer needs.
• Write, test, and deploy applications using modern development practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define software requirements.
• Work independently or in SCRUM teams to continuously improve products.
• Prepare proposals for new and ongoing work.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful team culture and growth mindset.
• Identify strategic partners to leverage NEN-5 expertise.

Skills

Software engineering principles

Agile / SCRUM / DevOps

C# / C++ / Java

JavaScript / Python

RESTful APIs / web services

Legacy code modernization

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

ASP.NET Core

Node.js

React

SQL databases

Job description

What You Will Do

The Nuclear Systems Group (NEN-5) conducts multi-disciplinary systems engineering and analysis across various projects impacting advanced nuclear reactor designs, nuclear nonproliferation, stockpile stewardship, and international treaty monitoring. NEN-5 collaborates across LANL's Global Security Directorate, other national laboratories, and industry to meet emerging global nuclear energy needs and safe operations.

What You Will Do

The Nuclear Systems Group (NEN-5) conducts multi-disciplinary systems engineering and analysis across various projects impacting advanced nuclear reactor designs, nuclear nonproliferation, stockpile stewardship, and international treaty monitoring. NEN-5 collaborates across LANL's Global Security Directorate, other national laboratories, and industry to meet emerging global nuclear energy needs and safe operations.

The Applied Science and Engineering for Nuclear Technologies (ASENT) team in the Nuclear Systems Group (NEN-5) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a talented Software Developer (Scientist 2) to support our critical mission in nuclear safeguards, nonproliferation, and nuclear security applications.

ASENT develops software used for national security and institutional purposes, as well as for international safeguards and nuclear nonproliferation applications. We're looking for a versatile full-stack developer who thrives in both creating new solutions and modernizing legacy systems.

As a Scientist 2, you will:

• Develop new software for a wide-ranging customer base both internal and external to the laboratory
• Maintain and modify existing software based on customer needs
• Write, test, and deploy applications using modern development methodologies
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define work scope and software requirements
• Work independently or within SCRUM teams to ensure continuous product improvement
• Write proposals for new and continuing work
• Promote a collaborative, respectful, and engaging team culture
• Embody a "growth mindset" by welcoming feedback and supporting endeavors outside your primary expertise
• Identify strategic partners who could benefit from NEN-5's multi-disciplinary expertise
• Undertake periodic domestic and/or international travel based on programmatic needs
  
  

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Skills

• Significant knowledge/understanding of software engineering principles, design patterns, and appropriate standards
• Experience with modern software development methodologies such as Agile, DevOps, and SCRUM and the appropriate tools and processes
• Knowledge/experience with a minimum of three of the following:
• C# and ASP.NET, C++, JAVA, JavaScript and Python languages
• JSON, YAML or Message Pack serialization languages
• ASP.NET Core, Blazor, Node.js, React, FAST Frameworks
• MCV, MVP, Microservices, and Event Driven Architecture
• Knowledge/experience with database design, security strategies, and component integration
• Knowledge of developing and maintaining software within a complex, high-security environment
• Ability to navigate strict compliance requirements, controlled networks, and rigorous access protocols
• Ability to understand, maintain, and modernize legacy systems (Fortran, C, older Python, etc.) working with established scientific codebases that span decades
• Knowledge/understanding of hardware and operating systems including:
• System architecture
• Network infrastructure
• Client-server principles
• Knowledge/understanding of hardware and software integration and testing
  

Professional Skills

• Ability to collaborate and interact effectively with a wide range of personnel
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and follow through to completion on multiple tasks
• Record of commitment to safety, security, compliance, quality, and foster a respectful and fair work culture.
  
  

Clearance Requirement

• Ability to obtain a DOE Q-level clearance, which typically requires U.S. Citizenship
  
  

Education & Experience: Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation. A degree in Computer Science, Computer engineering, Data Analytics, or Information Technology preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience developing innovative advanced concepts, theories, methods, techniques, and approaches to address specialized problems
• Demonstrated experience leading technical decision-making at task level within a project; making decisions and/or recommendations that influence the achievement of key programmatic objectives
• Demonstrated knowledge and utilization of CI/CD Practices
• Demonstrated ability in designing, building, and maintaining production-ready RESTful APIs using Node.js, Python, JAVA, and ASP.NET.
• Demonstrated ability to secure data in transit utilizing OAuth2.0
• Demonstrated knowledge of AI ethics, bias mitigation, and explainable AI techniques while deploying AI models in real-time applications
• Ability to mentor junior staff and students as they develop as programmers
• Active Q Clearance
  
  

NOTE: For full consideration, applicants must submit: Resume; and Comprehensive cover letter addressing the key requirements of the position.

Work Environment:

Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

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 ("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.

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.