We have multiple openings for Explosives Research Experiment Leads to lead experimental activities, under general direction, involving the use of high explosives and other energetic materials, supporting the stewardship of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, conventional weapons design, counterterrorism efforts, and commercial partnerships. Your primary responsibility is the safe and successful execution of experiments in the High Explosive Application Facilities (HEAF). You will be responsible for many aspects of the experiment including, but not limited to, experimental design, safety and performance margin and uncertainty calculations, acting as an interface between the principal investigator and the operations team, providing intent and guidance in experimental conduct, and leading the test effort through all phases of the experiment (pre-during-post). In addition, you will prepare packages of pre- and post-experiment reports with pertinent data analysis and interpretation. These positions are in Physical & Life Sciences (PLS), supporting the Weapons and Complex Integration (WCI) Principal Directorate.

This position will be filled at either the SES.1 or SES.2 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Plan, execute, analyze, and interpret well-defined explosively driven experiments in collaboration with diagnostics operators, other scientists, and technical personnel.
• Contribute original scientific/engineering solutions to the design of explosively driven experiments, applying knowledge and skills.
• Develop experimental requirements and oversee the implementation of the various components of the experiment.
• Perform, arm and fire experiments using highly explosive material.
• Oversee the assembly of experimental hardware and diagnostics, as a representative of the physicist/engineer, to ensure that the assemblies meet specification.
• Use professional judgement to direct the team responsible for setup, alignment, and perform quality assurance checks on all dry-run data to ensure that the experiment is ready to be fired and that the expected data returned will be of the highest quality possible within funding targets.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, to document and report results, identify problems, plan projects to solve problems, and communicate lessons learned.
• Present and disseminate research results to sponsors to document experiment and results, in open and classified environments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional duties at the SES.2 Level

• Use independent judgement to prioritize, manage, and oversee multiple parallel experiments at different stages of development including the arming and firing of these experiments.
• Identify, advocate and facilitate the addition of moderately complex to complex diagnostics and data analysis techniques for explosively driven experiments.
• Collaborate with engineers and physicists to develop and integrate new capabilities. Independently provide technical input requiring careful planning and execution in concert with effective teamwork.
• Present and disseminate comprehensive research results to sponsors to document experiment and results, in open and classified environments, and monitor moderately complex to complex experiment costs and schedule performance.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
• BS in chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Familiarity with knowledge of physics, engineering, mechanical, aerospace or nuclear engineering
• Experience performing hands-on experimental science, working around explosives and/or other energetic materials and using computer aided design tools and standard office computer tools.
• Experience managing a project timeline including other personnel in a team environment.
• Self-motivated with the initiative to address challenging problems, and innovative skills to identify/develop creative solutions.
• Experience working effectively independently and in a multi-disciplinary, team-research environment to achieve goals. Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence necessary to work effectively with a wide range of personalities.
• Sufficient written and verbal communication skills necessary to explain, negotiate and advise on experimental design and the interpersonal skills to communicate and work in both one-on-one and team environments.
• Ability to become a qualified explosives handler.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 Level

• Comprehensive knowledge of physics, engineering, mechanical, aerospace or nuclear engineering or a related field.
• Experience working on a research team with individuals from diverse technical backgrounds, as well as function as an independent researcher, working under limited direction, with a high level of attention to details.
• Ability to mentor and train a multidisciplinary team.
• Record of completing and/or leading top-quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in experiments or material properties involving energetic materials, including high explosives, thermites, and pyrotechnics.
• Experience with radiography, high speed photography, Photonic Doppler Velocimetry, radiometry, pulsed power (flash lamps, fire sets), system generated EMP, grounding and shielding.
• Knowledge of the WCI weapons program, explosive experimentation, and the optics, electro-optics, and radiographic technologies used at LLNL.