Apprentice Signal Processing Postdoctoral Jobs in California

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Electromagnetics to join the Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Group. In this role, you will conduct research to characterize complex, heterogeneous materials and components using advanced experimental and analytical methods. Relevant technical areas include microwave imaging, low-frequency electromagnetic interrogation, x-ray imaging, and computed tomography. Working under the guidance of scientific staff, you will contribute to research in materials design, engineering, and fabrication, with an emphasis on process characterization and part inspection. You will support mission-driven research that advances national security. This position offers the opportunity to build your research portfolio, publish impactful work, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a highly applied environment. This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
You will

• Conduct research and development in one or more of the following areas: low-frequency electromagnetic characterization, microwave imaging, x-ray imaging, and computed tomography.
• Design, implement, and evaluate experimental methods for material characterization, in situ process feedback, and nondestructive evaluation of parts and assemblies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using signal processing, image reconstruction, statistical analysis, and machine learning approaches.
• Model characterization and inspection physics using finite element, ray tracing, or Monte Carlo methods, as appropriate.
• Contribute to the conception, planning, and execution of research projects that address defined scientific and engineering problems.
• Pursue independent, but complementary, research aligned with programmatic needs and emerging technical opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists across disciplines to achieve project objectives.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: low-frequency electromagnetics, microwave imaging, and x-ray imaging.
• Demonstrated ability to work in experimental design, techniques, and execution in one or more of the following areas: signal processing, machine learning, modeling, or data analysis, including reconstruction for computed tomography.
• Ability to develop independent research projects, including publication in peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Strong initiative and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with electromagnetic sensor design and fabrication.
• Experience with electromagnetic modeling and simulation, as well as multiphysics simulations, such as COMSOL or ANSYS.
• Experience with scoping and constructing electromagnetic sensing systems, including circuit design and software interfaces.
• Experience with algorithms and data processing techniques for electromagnetic imaging systems and/or electromagnetic inverse problems.
• Experience with integration of in situ electromagnetic sensors into advanced manufacturing environments.

Pay Range
$122,028 - $143,328 Annually
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.
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
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
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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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
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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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