These positions 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
Assess and contribute to the response of complex mechanical systems subject to high-rate loading, including laser-matter interaction, blast and hypervelocity impact problems, as part of a multi-disciplinary project team.
Work under limited direction to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks in a multi-disciplinary team environment, including the development of large, geometrically complex finite element models.
Apply comprehensive technical knowledge to guide the successful completion of project goals, including the assessment of the post-failure response of materials and structures subjected to high-rate loadings.
Perform verification analyses to check computational methods against analytical solutions and verify that methods converge properly and participate in technical peer review processes to ensure analytical rigor and quality.
Participate and collaborate in training, briefings, or other program-related events, including contributing to meetings with sponsors, other DOE Laboratories, and U.S. government agencies, which will require occasional travel.
Ensure appropriate security requirements are met for all levels of classified/unclassified information with limited direction.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level
Work independently to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks in a multi-disciplinary team environment, where commitments and deadlines are critical to project success.
Apply advanced technical knowledge and methodologies to guide the successful completion of project and organizational goals and serve as the primary technical contact on tasks and projects.
Resolve technical objectives and criteria to satisfy project objectives and execute the appropriate technical approaches with minimal direction.
Collaborate with technical area leaders, project leaders, and program management to represent technical capabilities and project results to internal management and external sponsors.
Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, structural/applied mechanics or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of computational structural mechanics, with experience in one or more of the following areas: material failure, high-rate system dynamics (e.g., penetration mechanics, hydrodynamics, or shock physics), hypervelocity impact, explosive modeling, or laser-matter interaction.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills needed to present and explain technical information, document work, prepare and present high-quality research papers, and provide technical summaries to project leadership.
Experience using programming or scripting languages such as Python to facilitate technical analysis.
Experience documenting research results in formal reports.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to travel.
Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level
Advanced knowledge of computational structural mechanics and state-of-the-art modeling and simulation techniques, with significant experience in one or more of the following areas: material damage and failure mechanisms, high-rate system dynamics, hypervelocity impact, explosive modeling, or laser-matter interaction.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills needed to effectively collaborate in a team environment, guide the technical direction of projects, prepare and present successful proposals, and provide advice to management and sponsors.
Significant experience using programming or scripting languages such as Python to facilitate complex technical analysis.
Qualifications We Desire
PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, structural/applied mechanics or a related field.
Demonstrated knowledge of advanced constitutive models for the response and equation of state for metals, composites, ceramics, foams, geologic materials, or polymers.
Experience in large-scale scientific facilities, experimental programs, or national laboratory environments.
Experience with NNSA laboratory codes (ALE3D, ParaDyn, Diablo, Sierra) or NIF-specific simulation codes in production analysis environments.
Ability to secure and maintain access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
Pay Range
$146,340 - $222,564 Annually
$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe 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.
#LI-Hybrid
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
Included in 2026 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 a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
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.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
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
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
