Director Hydrodynamics Engineer 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
Wehave multiple openings forSenior Mechanical Engineering Analysts. As a Senior Mechanical Engineering Analyst, you will help the analysis team support the engineering design, testing, and certification of our nation's nuclear weapon systems by using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and some of the world's largest computers. You will develop computational models using custom, in-house codes, conduct engineering analysis of full weapon systems and components in thermal, quasi-static, dynamic, and hydrodynamic environments, and help guide design and test engineers to develop successful products and tests. You will also perform research and development in advanced simulation capabilities and workflows including advanced constitutive modeling, pre- and post-processing, Simulation Process and Data Management (SPDM), Verification, Validation and Uncertainty Quantification (VVUQ), and workflow automation. These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED, within the Engineering Directorate).
Depending on your assignment, these positions may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.
You will

• Perform engineering in-depth analysis using finite element models and other techniques in support of stakeholders in design, modification, optimization, testing, and certification of the nuclear weapon systems under self-direction and provide alternative solutions to stakeholder challenges.
• Work independently, in consultation, and/or on teams of analysts, code developers, engineers, and subject matter experts following established procedures, standards, and verification and validation best practices to solve highly complex, not well-defined technical problems.
• Lead development and mentor others in the development of new analysis workflows, process standards, and procedures.
• Lead and direct large technical projects or teams or influence technical direction and decisions made by stakeholders as a subject matter expert in the field.
• Mentor staff within analysis groups and/or project teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Master's degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Expert knowledge and significant experience leading efforts in one or more of the following areas:mechanical behavior of materials, structural mechanics, failure mechanics, dynamics, modal response, heat transfer, hydrodynamics, thermo-mechanical response of engineering systems.
• Significant experience developing solutions to complex challenges requiring innovative methods or in-depth analysis of multiple tangible and intangible factors.
• Experience conducting and participating in formal and informal design reviews.
• Significant experience developing and implementing creative solutions to a diverse range of highly complex problems and leading corrective actions where necessary.
• Expert communication, facilitation, collaboration, and organizational skills to effectively present, explain, and advise senior management, external partners, and sponsors.
• Ability to travel.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with National Laboratory codes such as ParaDyn, Nike3D, Dyna3D, Diablo, Sierra, ALE3D, CTH, or similar commercial FEA codes such as Abaqus, Ansys, LS-Dyna, Nastran.
• Advanced programming experience in Python, Java, C, Fortran, Perl, and/or MATLAB.
• Significant experience in one or more of the following areas:advanced constitutive models, continuum mechanics and material model development, energetic materials, magneto-hydrodynamics,transportation safety analysis, uncertainty quantification or statistics, verification and validation (V&V) practices, nuclear weapon system mechanical design and materials .

Pay Range
$210,630 - $267,060 Annually
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 employee's 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 2026Best 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 an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.
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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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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