Science and Technology on a Mission!
For more than 60 years, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has applied science and technology to make the world a safer place.
We have an opening for a Hydro-test 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 support, and commercial partnerships. This position is in the Weapons and Complex Integration (WCI) Directorate.
This position will be filled at either the SES.2 or SES.3 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.
Essential Duties
– Plan, execute and interpret hydrodynamic experiments in collaboration with other scientists and high-level technical personnel, under limited direction.
– Contribute original scientific/engineering solutions to the design of hydrodynamic experiments, applying knowledge and skills.
– Develop experimental requirements and oversee the implementation of the various components of the experiment.
– Perform Arm and fire experiments using highly explosive material.
– Monitor the assembly of the experimental hardware, representing the design physicist, to ensure that the moderately complex to complex experiment is assembled to specification.
– Set-up (or lead the team responsible for the setup), align, and perform quality assurance checks on all dry-run data to ensure the moderately complex to complex experiment is ready to be fired and the expected data returned will be of the highest quality possible within funding targets.
– Analyze and interpret moderately complex to complex experimental data, to document and report results, identify problems, plan projects to solve problems, and communicate lessons learned.
– Present and disseminate research results to sponsors documenting experiment and results, in open and classified environments and monitor moderately complex to complex experiment costs and schedule performance.
– Perform other duties as assigned.
In Addition at the SES.3 Level
– Independently develop and/or provide in-depth technical expertise with the 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 hydrodynamic experiments. Work with diagnostic designers to develop and integrate new capabilities. Lead projects requiring careful planning and execution in concert with effective teamwork.
Qualifications
– Masters Degree in physics, engineering, related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
– Experience performing hands-on experimental science, working around explosives and/or other energetic materials and using computer aided design tools and standard office computer tools.
– Experience managing a project timeline including other personnel in a team environment.
– Experience managing medium-size technical projects.
– Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems, and innovative skills to identify/develop creative solutions. Comprehensive understanding of a specific area of science applicable to hydrodynamic testing and familiarity with positions requiring formal conduct of operations.
– Experience working effectively independently and in a multi-disciplinary, team-research environment to achieve multi-year goals. Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence necessary to work effectively with a wide range of personalities.
– Proficient written and verbal communication skills necessary to explain, negotiate and advise on experimental design.
– Proficient interpersonal skills to communicate and work in both one-on-one and team environments.
In Addition 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.
Desired Qualifications
– Experience diagnosing very fast transient phenomena, modeling transmission and effects of ionizing radiation.
– Experience with radiography, high speed photography, Photonic Doppler Velocimetry, radiometry, pulsed power (flash lamps, firesets), system generated EMP, grounding and shielding.
– Experience with programming in a mainstream language such as C or Java and knowledge of the WCI weapons program, explosive hydrodynamic experimentation, and the optics, electro-optics, and radiographic technologies used at LLNL Site 300.
Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
Pre-Employment Drug Test: External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
Anticipated Clearance Level: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.
Note: This is a Career Indefinite position. Lab employees and external candidates may be considered for this position.
About Us
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), located in the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay), is a premier applied science laboratory that is part of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the Department of Energy (DOE). LLNL’s mission is strengthening national security by developing and applying cutting-edge science, technology, and engineering that respond with vision, quality, integrity, and technical excellence to scientific issues of national importance. The Laboratory has a current annual budget of about $1.5 billion, employing approximately 6,000 employees.
LLNL is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. 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, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.