Applied Computing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Berkeley Lab's Applied Mathematics and Computational Research Division has an opening for a Computer Systems Engineer 3 - Optimization and AI for Scientific Discovery to develop and apply machine learning, agentic AI, optimization, and sampling tools to autonomous discovery. In this role, you will be part of the Applied Computing for Scientific Discovery (ACSD) Group, which focuses on enabling scientific discovery through advanced software applications, tools, and libraries across key Department of Energy (DOE) mission areas. You will play a key role within a multidisciplinary team combining elements of applied mathematics, optimization, statistics, machine learning, agentic artificial intelligence, and computational science to accelerate autonomous discovery and manufacturing scale-up.

As part of this dynamic team, you will develop, test, and benchmark new optimization models, active learning and sampling strategies, and design novel machine learning and agentic frameworks that close the feedback loop for automated discovery.

You will:

• Develop, apply, and deploy advanced software tools for numerical optimization, active learning, machine learning, and artificial intelligence tailored to science and engineering domains.

• Design, develop, test, benchmark, deploy, and tune agentic AI software frameworks and multi-fidelity optimization algorithms to close the feedback loop for automated scientific discovery.

• Deploy, optimize, and tune algorithms and software developments within high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

• Collaborate actively in a multidisciplinary team environment comprising scientists from energy technologies, physical sciences, mathematics, and computing.

• Resolve complex research and engineering issues by analyzing variable factors and exercising judgment to select optimal methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.

• Publish developed algorithms as open-source software packages, maintain code documentation, and contribute to peer-reviewed journal articles and research proposals.

• Coordinate and lead software engineering and science teams in defining system requirements, software features, user interfaces, and overall software development processes.

• Mentor junior staff and developers while proactively establishing strategic partnerships with internal and external research teams to advance collaborative project goals.

We are looking for:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Machine Learning, Computational Science, or a related field with a minimum of 8 years of related experience; or a Master's degree with 6 years of related experience; or equivalent experience.

• Core Technical Background: Strong, demonstrated background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, numerical optimization, and programming.

• Framework & Algorithm Development: Demonstrated experience in the design, development, deployment, and application of machine learning, agentic AI, and multi-fidelity optimization algorithms.

• Domain & HPC Experience: Proven experience developing software tools and algorithms for autonomous experimentation, inverse design, software optimization, or related domains, along with experience working on high-performance computing (HPC) platforms.

• Analytical & Programming Skills: Demonstrated analytical skills critical for designing, deploying, and applying AI/ML/optimization algorithms, paired with excellent Python programming skills.

• Leadership & Management: Experience with software project management and demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams.

• Communication & Teamwork: Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability and desire to work effectively within an energetic cross-disciplinary team.

• Multitasking: Proven ability to work effectively while balancing multiple competing priorities and tasks.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Master's degree with a minimum of 6 years of experience, or a Ph.D. with 4 years of experience, or equivalent experience preferred.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by August 14, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a full-time, 5-year, term appointment with the possibility of conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.

• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $156,864 - $191,724 which fits into the full salary of $139,440 -$235,308 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.