We have openings for an Explosives Research Experiment Lead. You will 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. These positions are in the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

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.

These positions will be filled at either the SES.2 or SES.3 level depending on your skills. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Plan, execute, diagnose, analyze and interpret explosively driven hydrodynamic experiments in collaboration with diagnostics operators, other scientists and high-level technical personnel, under limited direction and at various state-of-the-art facilities across the DOE weapons complex.
• Contribute original scientific/engineering solutions to the design of hydrodynamic experiments, applying knowledge and skills.
• Develop experimental requirements and assist or oversee the implementation of various components of the experiment.
• Perform, arm, fire, and diagnose experiments using highly explosive material.
• Monitor the assembly of the experimental hardware to ensure that the complex assemblies meet specification.
• Perform technical quality assurance checks on experiments including performing or directing others to perform the setup, alignment, and execution of the confirmatory dry-runs to ensure that the expected data returned on the ultimate experiment will be of the highest quality possible within funding targets.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, document and report results, identify problems, plan projects to solve problems, and communicate lessons learned.
• Present and disseminate research results to sponsors, and document experiment and results in open and classified environments.
• Travel based on needs of projects, minimally or substantially.
• Recognize and support plans to promote and foster a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability within the workplace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In Addition, at the SES.3 Level

• Independently develop and/or provide in-depth technical expertise with multi-physics and other advanced computational tools to help model the expected performance of diagnostics where complex problems may not be well defined.
• Manage and oversee multiple parallel, complex experiments at different stages of development including the arming and firing of these experiments.
• Identify, advocate and facilitate the addition of advanced diagnostics and data analysis techniques for explosively driven hydrodynamic experiments. Work with diagnostic designers to develop and integrate new capabilities.
• Champion and/or lead projects requiring careful planning and execution in concert with effective teamwork.