Model Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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.

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.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• PhD. in 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

$175,530 -  $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 job level

$210,630 - $267,060 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 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. 

#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)
• 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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.