Experimental Physicist - Active Security Clearance Required

Company Description

Pay Range:

$202,500 - $308,184 Annually

$202,500 - $256,824 Annually for the SES.4 level
$243,060 - $308,184 Annually for the SES.5 level

This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Job Description

The Strategic Deterrence Directorate has openings for Physicists to pursue experimental challenges relevant to national security under consultative direction. Current activities include exploring means to assess nuclear explosive performance without nuclear testing; weapons physics studies; the development of render safe technologies for counter-proliferation; the design and testing of Advanced Conventional Weapons. Experimental research is conducted at the Site 300 hydro facilities, the Nevada Test site, the High Explosives Application Facility (HEAF), NIF, and at other national facilities. Will act as a scientific/technical leader on large projects/programs. Will contribute to the development of innovative principles and ideas. Will play a role in attracting and retaining projects, programs, and funding due to degree of technical expertise. Will routinely interact with professional colleagues, internal senior management, and sponsor organizations across and outside the Laboratory. These positions are in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options, may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Conduct experimental research in one or more of the following areas: assess nuclear explosive performance without nuclear testing; weapons physics studies; high-energy density plasma research; the development of render safe technologies for counter-proliferation; and/or the design of Advanced Conventional Weapons.
• Develop and apply advanced, state-of-the-art experimental physics techniques to the laboratory and field research. Areas of interest should include flash x-ray radiography, high-speed photographic and optical measurements, hydrodynamics, gas guns, pulsed power and detonation physics experiments, and instrument design and development.
• Run existing analysis codes to plan experiments and incorporate experimental data.
• Lead projects requiring careful planning and execution in concert with effective teamwork.
• Present and disseminate research results in scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications, in open and classified environments, internal and external to LLNL.
• Set broad research/project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for self and/or others.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H Security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.5 level

• Influences strategic technical decisions made by senior management and external customers.
• May be sought to mentor staff across the organization, including other mentors.
• May be sought after as an organization spokesperson by Laboratory management and/or external advisor by sponsors.
• May serve on external scientific or technical committees, representing the Laboratory.

Qualifications

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• PhD in physics, engineering or a related field or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Demonstrated subject matter expert with knowledge and significant experience conducting applied physics research in one or more of the following fields: plasma physics, radiation transport, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and hydrodynamics.
• Significant experience with and understanding optics and lasers.
• Significant experience with scientific data analysis.
• Significant experience developing innovative solutions to complex analytical problems.
• Demonstrated effective analytical and conceptual skills and creativity.
• Significant experience working effectively independently and in a multi-disciplinary, team-research environment to achieve multi-year goals.
• Extensive experience at the expert level in the development of principles, theories, concepts, and techniques relevant to applied physics research.
• Demonstrated expert communicator, with advanced verbal and written skills to positively represent the Program and Laboratory.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently address challenging problems.

Additional job qualifications, at the SES.5 level

• Nationally recognized expert knowledge in one or more of the above-mentioned fields.
• Extensive experience and demonstrated ability to lead and develop positions on cutting-edge technologies.
• Expert communicator to effectively present, explain, influence, and advise senior management and external sponsors.
• Technical knowledge advancements have an impact beyond the Laboratory.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

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