We have an opening for Explosives Research Experiment Leads. You will lead experimental activities, under limited 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 (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 depending on your knowledge, skills and experience as assessed by the hiring team. 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, independently with minimal direction and at various state-of-the-art facilities across the DOE weapons complex.
• Manage and oversee multiple parallel, complex experiments at different stages of development and execution.
• Champion and/or lead original scientific/engineering projects to further the design of hydrodynamic experiments, applying knowledge and skills.
• Develop experimental requirements and oversee the implementation of the various components of the experiment.
• 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.
• Perform technical quality assurance checks on these 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 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.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level

• Independently develop expertise in interrelated fields of physics, diagnostic techniques, or data analysis methods important to the design and execution of hydrodynamic experiments.
• Anticipate project shortcomings in advance and direct resources to develop effective solutions to improve efficiency in key areas relevant to hydrodynamic experiments.
• Champion and/or lead projects requiring involvement of broader scientific community external to LLNL.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Master’s degree in physics, engineering, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge 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 technical projects.
• Self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems, and innovative ability to identify/develop creative solutions.
• Significant experience completing and/or leading top-quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.
• Ability to travel.
• Advanced interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence necessary to work effectively with a wide range of personalities in both one-on-one and team environments.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills necessary to collaborate, present, and explain experimental design including proficiency in standard office computing software.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• PhD in physics, engineering, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Subject-matter expertise in one or more specific areas of science applicable to hydrodynamic testing.
• Extensive experience leading large, multi-organizational technical projects.
• Ability to lead and mentor others in part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Substantial experience presenting and disseminating highly advanced research results at scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications, in open and classified environments, internal and external to LLNL.
• Substantial experience communicating results of work with external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working around explosives and/or with other high-hazard materials or effects.
• Experience using computer-aided design tools.
• Experience with one or more 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, modeling transmission and effects of ionizing radiation.
• Experience with scientific data analysis in mainstream programming languages or tools such as C++, Python, MATLAB, etc.
• Knowledge of the SD weapons program and/or explosive hydrodynamic experimentation.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level 

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 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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