Senior Operations Research Engineer

We have an opening for a Senior Operations Research Engineer, with expertise in energy systems simulation and management, electricity markets, capacity expansion planning, stochastic optimization, integer programming formulations strengthening, and decomposition algorithms for large-scale mathematical optimization problems.  You will join research and analysis efforts in operation planning, capacity expansion planning, and operational security and reliability of energy systems, but will also support other research and analysis initiatives under investigation by the Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and/or other U.S. Government partners. You will work with experienced LLNL scientists and engineers and lead the development of new numerical methods and analysis tools that provide insights to inform near and long-term strategy and technology decisions. This position is in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate.

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.

You will

• Lead and support the development of mathematical optimization models for energy networks, including formulation, implementation, solution, analysis, and communication.
• Partner with other LLNL scientists and engineers to bring research results to practical use in LLNL Global Security programs.
• Work closely with other CIR program area leads in developing the CIR program research roadmap.
• Develop internal and external collaborations and provide input for securing funding sources to meet program goals and objectives.
• Co-author refereed scientific papers and reports and deliver presentations for audiences internal and external to LLNL
• Mentor junior staff members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level

• Balance multiple projects/tasks and priorities of customers and partners to ensure deadlines are met.
• Lead various highly complex projects, effectively leveraging the skills of team members. Serve as a mentor for other staff and assist in recruiting efforts.
• Serve as a primary technical point of contact with sponsors and partners and participate in development of new program business.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Master’s degree in physical science, engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, economics or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in implementing mathematical optimization problems using algebraic modeling languages, understanding of interfaces with mathematical programming solvers, and ability to computationally exploit structure within optimization problems.
• Advanced record of technical achievements in mathematical optimization via peer-reviewed technical publications or successful project leadership.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills needed to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, document work, prepare and present successful proposals and high-quality research papers, and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level 

• Highly advanced experience in one or more of the following areas: mixed-integer programming, branch-bound-and-cut algorithms, branch-and-price algorithms, strong (polynomial- or exponential-sized) formulations and separation, parallel/distributed mathematical optimization techniques, and electric energy systems operations and planning.
• Subject matter expert knowledge and significant experience as a project manager or principal investigator of projects with differing priorities, loosely defined deliverables, and high visibility.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to present, explain, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in physical science, engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, economics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative optimization software projects, both internally as well as in the open domain.
• Experience working with Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), and other relevant federal and state government agencies.

Pay Range

$119,520 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level
$143,424 - $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. 

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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

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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.

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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.

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