Computational Physicist

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$140,700  - $178,392  Annually for the SES.2 level
$168,780  - $214,032  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.

We have multiple openings for Computational Physicists aiming to improve national security through the development of simulation codes for world class supercomputing architectures. You will collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team in advancing state-of-the-art physics simulation capabilities. Applications may include inertial confinement fusion, high-energy density physics, nuclear/conventional weapons, or nuclear counterterrorism. Our projects span the range from smaller, focused research codes/modules to multi-physics, multi-application production codes.  These positions are in the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.   

These positions 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.

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  

• Build simulation tools using modern software practices as part of a team. 
• Develop models and algorithms to support physics capabilities for a diverse application space. 
• Support users of your simulation tools. 
• Share results through conferences, reports/publications, and potential interactions with collaborators. 
• Recognize and support plans to promote and foster a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability within the workplace.
• Perform other tasks as assigned. 

Additional responsibilities at the mid-career (SES.3) level 

• Develop and critically assess physics capabilities to support applications requiring advanced simulation tools to solve complex problems. 
• Collaborate as a technical expert on multidisciplinary teams. 
• Set specific technical strategies to achieve project goals. 

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• PhD or equivalent level of proficiency in physics, mathematics, engineering, or related field. 
• Proficiency in developing scientific applications in Python, C/C++, or FORTRAN. 
• Proficiency in converting theory into computational models, implementing computational models, or evaluating computational algorithms and methods for their applicability. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and experience authoring high-quality reports/publications and delivering effective technical presentations. 

Additional qualifications at the mid-career (SES.3) level 

• Advanced knowledge of physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. 
• Significant professional programming experience. 
• Experience in leading, mentoring, and/or collaborating within teams.  
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated record of delivering top-quality research in relevant areas of science and engineering. 

Qualifications We Desire 

• Expertise in one or more science disciplines, such as shock hydrodynamics, solid/fluid mechanics, materials science, particle transport, radiation transport, nuclear physics, plasma physics, or physical chemistry.
• Proficiency in developing and supporting multi-dimensional numerical simulation.
• Proficiency in developing scientific simulations for high-performance and/or heterogeneous computing systems (e.g., use of MPI, OpenMP, Cuda/HIP, or other HPC technologies). 
• Proficiency in developing advanced technical solutions (e.g., numerical algorithms).
• Proficiency in working in a multidisciplinary team-research environment, demonstrating creativity and initiative in addressing challenging problems.
• Demonstrated ability/commitment to promote and value inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability principles in the workplace. 

Please include a personalized cover letter with your application, highlighting your qualifications and why you're interested in this position.

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 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

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.