Computational Mechanics Engineer /Analyst

We have an opening for a Computational Mechanics Engineer / Analyst for the NIF and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate.  You will support fundamental research and design efforts of mechanical, optomechanical, and electromechanical systems using non-linear and multi-physics analytical codes and tools within NIF&PS.  Many of these codes and tools were developed at LLNL and your efforts will include interactions with a larger community of analysts for code development and peer review. Your efforts will support a variety of internal and external teams in support of national security and NIF missions. You will support the Target Diagnostics Engineering and Science (TDES), Target Fabrication (TFab), and other NIF teams from the Integrated Engineering Section of the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

This position will be filled at either 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

• Perform finite element modeling and simulation to analyze mechanical systems of limited complexity subject to nonlinear, high-rate loading to evaluate the post-failure response of materials and structures while adhering to defined practices and procedures.
• Utilize programming and/or scripting languages and defined practices and procedures to manipulate data of limited complexity for further analysis.
• Perform verification analyses to check computational methods against analytical solutions and verify that methods converge, evaluating readily identifiable factors and using standard techniques and methodologies.
• Collaborate with product design team to gather and develop requirements for analytical evaluations regarding design and performance.
• Prepare reports and presentations to document methods and implementation, sharing relevant knowledge, analysis and recommendations with team members.
• Work under general direction to effectively address technical tasks in a multi-disciplinary team environment including important commitments and deadlines.
• Participate, collaborate, and contribute to peer review processes, training, briefings, or other program-related events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In Addition, at the SES.2 Level

• Perform finite element modeling and simulation to analyze moderately complex mechanical systems subject to nonlinear, high-rate loading with emphasis on state-of-the art computational techniques and constitutive behavior to evaluate the post-failure response of materials and structures, using creativity and innovation in the application of established methods.
• Utilize programming and/or scripting languages to manipulate moderately complex data for further analysis.
• Work independently, under limited direction to effectively address concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities in a multi-disciplinary team environment including important commitments and deadlines, exploring a variety of approaches and methods and recommending improvements as appropriate.
• Review technical and scientific progress to ensure that defined goals and objectives are being met.
• Contribute to the successful completion of project and organizational goals and provides technical input on tasks and projects.
• May provide guidance and informal mentoring to less-experienced personnel.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, structural/applied mechanics or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of computational structural mechanics, material damage and failure mechanisms, and/or thermo-mechanical response of systems.
• Fundamental knowledge of relevant finite element modeling and simulation tools and analytical models for engineering problem solving.
• Experience integrating with a design team to develop requirements and work scope for analytical evaluations of limited complexity that impact design and performance considerations.
• Experience documenting research results in formal reports and presentations.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

In Addition, at the SES.2 Level

• Comprehensive knowledge demonstrated full competency, and relevant experience in computational structural mechanics, material damage and failure mechanisms, and/or thermo-mechanical response of systems.
• Experience using relevant finite element modeling and simulation tools and analytical models for engineering problem solving.
• Experience integrating with design team to develop requirements and work scope for moderately complex analytical evaluations that impact design and performance considerations.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and problem-solving skills necessary to participate in multi-disciplinary and multi-organization teams and to interact with management and customers on a variety of technical issues related to analytical predictions.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, structural/applied mechanics or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and relevant experience in analysis of high-rate dynamics of systems.
• Experience using relevant finite element modeling and simulation tools and analytical models for engineering problem solving, with an emphasis on nonlinear, high-strain rate dynamic analysis and building large geometrically complex models including verification and validation of results.

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Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position. Lab employees may be considered for this position.

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. 

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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