We have an opening for an Explosives Research Experiment Lead. You will lead experimental activities, under general direction, involving the use of high explosives and other energetic materials, supporting the stewardship of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, conventional weapons design, counterterrorism efforts, and commercial partnerships. This position is within the Strategic Deterrence 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 depending on your skills. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Plan, execute, diagnose, analyze and interpret explosively driven hydrodynamic experiments in collaboration with diagnostics operators, other scientists and high-level technical personnel, under limited direction and at various state-of-the-art facilities across the DOE weapons complex.
• Contribute original scientific/engineering solutions to the design of hydrodynamic experiments, applying knowledge and skills.
• Develop experimental requirements and assist with or contribute to the implementation of various components of the experiment.
• Perform, arm, fire, and diagnose experiments using highly explosive material.
• Monitor the assembly of the experimental hardware to ensure that the moderately complex assemblies meet specification.
• Perform technical quality assurance checks on experiments including performing or directing others to perform the setup, alignment, and execution of the confirmatory dry-runs to ensure that the expected data returned on the ultimate experiment will be of the highest quality possible within funding targets.
• Analyze and interpret moderately complex experimental data, document and report results, identify problems, plan projects to solve problems, and communicate lessons learned.
• Present and disseminate research results to sponsors, and document experiment and results in open and classified environments.
• Travel based on needs of projects, minimally or substantially.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In Addition, at the SES.3 Level

• Independently develop and/or provide in-depth advanced technical knowledge with multi-physics and other advanced computational tools to help model the expected performance of diagnostics where complex problems may not be well defined.
• Manage and oversee multiple parallel, complex experiments at different stages of development including the arming and firing of these experiments.
• Identify, advocate and facilitate the addition of advanced diagnostics and data analysis techniques for explosively driven hydrodynamic experiments. Work with diagnostic designers to develop and integrate new capabilities.
• Champion and/or lead projects requiring careful planning and execution in concert with effective teamwork.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a specific area of science applicable to hydrodynamic testing.
• Experience performing hands-on experimental science in bench top and/or test facility environments and familiarity with experimentation requiring formal conduct of operations.
• Experience managing medium-sized or larger technical projects.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems, and innovative skills to identify/develop creative solutions.
• Experience working effectively in independent and in a multi-disciplinary, team-based-research environment to achieve multi-year goals.
• Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence necessary to work effectively with a wide range of personalities in both one-on-one and team environments.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills necessary to present and explain technical information on experimental design including proficiency in standard office computing software.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 Level

• Advanced knowledge of physics, engineering, mathematics, mechanical, aerospace or nuclear engineering or a related field.
• Significant experience and demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated record of completing and/or leading top-quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working around explosives and/or other high hazard materials or effects.
• Experience using computer aided design tools.
• Experience managing other personnel in a team environment.
• Experience diagnosing very fast transient phenomena.
• Experience modeling transmission and effects of ionizing radiation.
• Experience with any of the following topics: dynamic radiography, high speed photography, Photonic Doppler Velocimetry, radiometry, pulsed power (flash lamps, fire sets), system generated EMP, grounding and shielding.
• Experience with scientific data analysis in mainstream programming languages or tools such as C++, Python, MATLAB, etc.
• Knowledge of the Strategic Deterrence weapons program and/or explosive hydrodynamic experimentation.

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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

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

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