High Explosive Modeler Staff Scientist

We have an opening for a Staff Scientist to perform research development and application activities in support of Laboratory missions. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research in the development and application of high explosive models predicting detonation performance in response to complex stimuli.  This position is in the Reaction Dynamics Group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

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 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

• Develop advanced high explosive detonation models based on fundamental chemical and physical mechanisms.
• Interact with experimental groups and incorporate information from advanced experiments into current and developmental high explosives models to improve model fidelity.
• Systematically validate models against a suite of experimental data.
• Develop uncertainty quantification methods based on utilizing statistical approaches and/or machine learning. 
• Provide solutions and creative approaches to ensure project needs are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Contribute to project/program milestone completion and provide solutions to complex problems that may not be well defined. You will be expected to interact closely with other team members as well as work independently with minimal direction when appropriate.
• Interact with the physics and engineering design staff and other users to support responsive model development and insertion options.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level

• Contribute to developing a strategy to improve detonation models by incorporating initial conditions morphology and chemical variations to expand capabilities into adjacent domains.
• Actively support and guide experimental campaigns involving energetic materials to benchmark current models and advance model development to address complex problems relevant to national security missions.
• Create innovative methods technologies and knowledge in detonation modeling.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• chemistry physics or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Knowledge of shock wave physics physical and chemical kinetics statistical and thermodynamic methods.
• Familiarity with scientific programming code development practices and proficiency in one or more high-level programming/scripting languages.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports explain technical information.
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists engineers and other technical and administrative staff.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Demonstrated expertise in detonation physics and energetic materials modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects and a strong track record mentoring scientific staff.
• Strong track record of publications and/or technical reporting.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working in energetic materials research at a Department of Energy (DOE) and/or Department of Defense (DoD) facility or equivalent with stringent safety and security policies.
• Knowledge of supercomputer applications in material modeling and energetic materials research.
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques applicable to material model development and/or complex hydrodynamic simulations.

Pay Range

$175530 -  $267060 Annually

$175530 - $222564 Annually for the SES.3 job level

$210630 - $267060 Annually for the SES.4 job 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 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 Flexible Term appointment which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

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)
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  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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time