Design Physicist

We are seeking exceptional Physical Scientists and Engineers with a background in fields such as plasma physics radiation transport atomic physics nuclear physics physical chemistry condensed matter physics computational physics or hydrodynamics. Our national-security mission encompasses aspects of computational theoretical and experimental physics associated with the complex processes of nuclear explosives.  Under limited direction you will be responsible for advancing our understanding and developing methodologies for important national-security challenges. This position 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

• Assess the complex physics interactions that take place in nuclear explosions.
• Design and provide analysis of experiments exploring the physics of nuclear explosives.
• Simulate weapons phenomena and perform weapons assessment and certification tasks using physical models in computer codes.
• Define and implement stockpile stewardship for specific weapons systems.
• Present and disseminate research results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications in both open and classified environments internal and external to LLNL.  Responsibilities may also include interacting with external stakeholders both at DOE/NNSA and across the broader interagency as well as via offsite assignments.
• Develop expertise in interrelated fields of physics important to weapons assessment and certification.
• Travel minimally or substantially based on needs of projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 Level

• Independently develop assess and provide in depth analysis of the complex physics interactions that take place in nuclear explosions where problems may not be well defined.
• Work as technical expert on a multidisciplinary team.
• Guide the analysis and lead the design of experiments exploring the physics of nuclear explosive

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• PhD in physics engineering or a related field or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Demonstrated record of completing outstanding research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.
• Experience with computer-based design and analysis of experiments.
• Demonstrated aptitude for mastering new fields of physics; a record of creativity physical insight and breadth of understanding in applications of complex physical processes.
• Experience in using advanced computational facilities for applied physics analysis and conducting applied physics research.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and presentation skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports publications invited papers and to deliver scientific presentations.
• Experience working effectively independently and in a multidisciplinary team-research environment.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 Level

• Advanced knowledge of physics engineering or a related field.
• Significant experience and ability to lead independent work conducting applied physics research.
• Demonstrated record of leading top-quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.

Please include a personalized cover letter with your application highlighting your qualifications and why youre interested in this position.

Pay Range

$146340 - $222564 Annually

$146340 - $185544 Annually for the SES.2 Level

$175530 - $222564 Annually for the SES.3 Level 

This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employees 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.

Additional Information :

#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  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.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time