HEAF Explosives Research Experimental Lead

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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 an Explosives Research Experimental Lead in the High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF). You will lead experimental activities 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. This position is in the Explosives Performance Research and Technologies (ExPRT) group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division, supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

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 

• Work under guidance to research, evaluate, design, and test explosive systems and materials for multiple projects.
• Support research efforts by adhering to the highest standards of personnel and facility safety while supporting the execution of high-energy, multi-hazard experiments.
• Plan, execute, diagnose, analyze, and interpret limited complex to moderately complex data from explosively driven experiments in collaboration with diagnostics operators, other scientists, and technical personnel, under limited direction at HEAF. Document and report results, identify problems, plan projects to solve problems, and communicate lessons learned.
• Prepare safety and engineering documentation and reports required for the safe, compliant, and efficient execution of experiments.
• Contribute original scientific/engineering solutions to the design of explosive experiments.
• Develop experimental requirements and oversee the implementation of the various components of the experiment. Monitor and participate in the assembly of the experimental hardware to ensure that the explosives assemblies meet specifications.
• Support explosives production supply chain to ensure samples are produced on schedule and to the quality needed to support experiments.
• Perform technical quality assurance checks on these 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 experiment will be of the highest quality possible within funding targets.
• Present and disseminate research results to sponsors and document experimental setup and results in open and classified environments. Participate in formal and informal design reviews and analyses and present design materials to internal and external audiences.
• Travel minimally based on needs of projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• 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 advanced diagnostics and data analysis techniques for explosively driven hydrodynamic experiments.  Work with diagnostic designers to develop and integrate new capabilities. 
• Lead moderately complex to complex projects requiring careful planning and execution in concert with effective teamwork.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-Level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental to comprehensive understanding of a specific area of science or engineering applicable to explosives characterization or safety testing.
• Experience performing hands-on experimental science in bench top and/or test facility environments and familiarity with experimentation in a highly regimented and regulated environment.
• Fundamental knowledge of hazardous material supply chain logistics, including planning, production, transportation, usage, and waste management.
• Experience managing small to medium-sized technical projects.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems, and innovative skills to identify/develop creative solutions.
• Experience working effectively independently and in a multi-disciplinary, team-based research environment to achieve goals.
• Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence necessary to work effectively with a wide range of personalities in both one-on-one and team environments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills necessary to explain, negotiate and advise on experimental design as well as documenting and presenting results.
• Proficiency in standard office computing software.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification as a High Explosive Handler.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. in a safe and controlled manner.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Broad knowledge of physics, engineering, mathematics, mechanical, aerospace or nuclear engineering or a related field.
• Broad experience and demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated record of completing and/or leading top-quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working in an explosive or equivalent high-hazard operational area and the ability to work safely around explosives.
• Experience using computer-aided design tools.
• Experience managing other personnel in a team environment.
• Experience with any of the following topics: dynamic radiography, high-speed photography, Photonic Doppler Velocimetry, radiometry, pulsed power (flash lamps, fire sets), system generated EMP, grounding and shielding.
• Knowledge of the LLNL weapons program and/or explosive hydrodynamic experimentation.

Pay Range

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level 

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 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.  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-Onsite

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

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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.

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