We have an opening for an Applied Scientist/Engineer to support and lead modeling and experimental investigation of radiation effects on nuclear materials. In this role you will work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to study the mechanical effects associated with rapid energy deposition of neutrons and high-explosive shocks. You will study and model how these effects may affect various complex mechanical structures. You will design, model, field, and analyze experiments at nuclear reactors requiring familiarity with hardware design and relavent regulatory requirements. You will travel as necessary to interact with sponsors and customers. This position is in the Physics Division.

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.

In this role you will

• Perform modeling/simulation and experiments in following areas: Irradiation of materials by neutrons; large atmospheric shocks; high explosive generated shocks.
• Design, setup, and calibrate experimental platforms and a multitude of diagnostics not limited to: optical velocity or displacement, analytical chemistry mapping of thin films, digital image correlation, particle size analysis, temperature and density, strain gauges, and other destructive measurements.
• Write periodic progress reports, test plans, procedures, and other documentation as required to execute experiments and update safety plans/Integration work sheets (IWS) in accordance with experimental needs.
• Maintain an awareness of technical literature in assigned areas.
• Prepare written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results.
• Travel as necessary to interact with sponsors and customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Serve as a technical expert in formal and ad hoc groups assembled to address pressing applications in national security.
• Lead and develop new areas of scientific inquiry
• Mentor and help develop staff

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
• MS in Applied Science, Physics, Plasma Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Understanding of analytical techniques of chemistry, material science, impulse and mechanical movements, equation of state using gas guns, and x-ray and neutron sources.
• Experience conducting experiments in a nuclear reactor environment, including familiarity with meeting, documenting, and operating within the associated safety and regulatory requirements, and to include cooperating with a variety of involved parties.
• Capabilities to design and execute experiments including the ability to support the design and fabrication of experimental platforms.
• Experience working with Monte Carlo and/or deterministic radiation transport codes.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear science including radiation interactions with matter, neutronics, radiochemistry, nuclear materials, and related topics.
• Significant experience authoring technical and scientific reports and publications and delivering scientific presentations.
• Communication skills and breadth of knowledge/skills to contribute to interdisciplinary teams executing complex activities
• Ability to travel.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Significant experience developing research proposals.
• Experience working with neutron, optical, x-ray, and/or shock diagnostics
• Significant experience designing and executing experiments in highly regulated nuclear environments, including the capability to mentor others in this activity

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in a physical science
• Experience within an NNSA laboratory
• Desire to work on national security programs