Experimental Physicist

We have multiple openings for Experimental Physicists. You will explore means to assess nuclear explosive performance without nuclear testing; weapons physics studies; the development of render safe technologies for counter-proliferation; the design and testing of Advanced Conventional Weapons. Experimental research is conducted at the Site 300 hydro facilities, the Nevada Test site, the High Explosives Application Facility (HEAF), NIF, and at other national facilities. These positions are located in the Design Physics Division within the Weapons and Complex Integration (WCI) Principal Directorate.

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

• Conduct experimental research in one or more of the following areas: assess nuclear explosive performance without nuclear testing; weapons physics studies; high-energy density plasma research; the development of render safe technologies for counter-proliferation; and/or the design of Advanced Conventional Weapons.
• Develop and apply state-of-the-art experimental physics techniques to laboratory and field research. Areas of interest should include, flash x-ray radiography, high-speed photographic and optical measurements, hydrodynamics, gas gun, pulsed power and detonation physics experiments, and instrument design and development.
• Learn and run existing analysis codes to plan experiments and incorporate experimental data.
• Contribute to fulfilling project objectives as a fully functioning team member.
• Present and disseminate research results in scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications, in open and classified environments. Responsibilities may also include interacting with external stakeholders, both at NNSA and across the broader interagency, via offsite assignments.
• Travel minimally or substantially based on needs of projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level

• Independently develop and/or provide in depth analysis of physics capabilities in support of nuclear weapon simulations using advanced simulation tools where complex problems may not be well defined.
• Lead projects requiring careful planning and execution in concert with effective teamwork.