Design Optimization Engineer - Postdoctoral Researcher

We have multiple openings for a Design Optimization Engineer - Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct basic and applied research in the optimization, simulation, and design of physical and engineered systems. You will work collaboratively and independently to extend and develop physics-based design optimization tools. The team is working to both extend the state-of-the-art and support Laboratory missions. These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate.

You will 

• Develop and implement HPC algorithms for the simulation and design optimization of systems governed by nonlinear, transient, multiscale, and multiple physical phenomena that include uncertainties in geometry and material properties.
• Contribute to solving challenging design optimization problems.
• Develop and implement continuum simulations to solve the governing partial differential equations of the physical systems that govern the design response.
• Identify and solve challenging design optimization problems highlighting capabilities and establishing credibility with mission customers.
• Document research through presentations and peer-reviewed journal articles and contribute to identifying future research directions and proposals that will provide opportunities in the field.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• PhD in Engineering, Mathematics, Computational Science, or a related field.
• Experience developing simulation tools using continuum approaches (e.g., finite elements) for physical systems.
• Experience programming in C/C++/FORTRAN and scripting languages including Python.
• Knowledge of high-performance computing and one or more associated parallel programming interfaces, such as MPI, OpenMP, or CUDA.
• Ability to perform independent research.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills needed to effectively collaborate in a team environment, to present and explain technical information, to document work, and to prepare and present successful proposals and high-quality research papers.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of design sensitivity analysis via direct (forward) and adjoint (backward) methods.
• Knowledge of shape/topology optimization or other design optimization techniques and algorithms.
• Exposure to machine learning and other data science techniques.
• Experience working in a collaborative software development environment.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

#PT

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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.

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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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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.

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