Nonlinear Computational Analysis Engineer

About the role

We have multiple openings for experienced Nonlinear Computational Analysis Engineers with a strong background in computational mechanics, material failure, high-rate dynamics, and multi-physics analysis.

You will support design and assessment efforts for complex mechanical systems and structures using massively parallel, high-performance, nonlinear, hydrostructural analysis codes developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

Your efforts will support a variety of projects aligned with one or more of LLNL's Strategic Deterrence, National Ignition Facility & Photon Science, or Global Security mission areas, including high-priority national security efforts in missile defense, space science and security, and laser applications. These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate.

These positions 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.

In this role you will

• Assess and contribute to the response of complex mechanical systems subject to high-rate loading, including laser-matter interaction, blast and hypervelocity impact problems, as part of a multi-disciplinary project team.
• Work under limited direction to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks in a multi-disciplinary team environment, including the development of large, geometrically complex finite element models.
• Apply comprehensive technical knowledge to guide the successful completion of project goals, including the assessment of the post-failure response of materials and structures subjected to high-rate loadings.
• Perform verification analyses to check computational methods against analytical solutions and verify that methods converge properly and participate in technical peer review processes to ensure analytical rigor and quality.
• Participate and collaborate in training, briefings, or other program-related events, including contributing to meetings with sponsors, other DOE Laboratories, and U.S. government agencies, which will require occasional travel.
• Ensure appropriate security requirements are met for all levels of classified/unclassified information with limited direction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Work independently to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks in a multi-disciplinary team environment, where commitments and deadlines are critical to project success.
• Apply advanced technical knowledge and methodologies to guide the successful completion of project and organizational goals and serve as the primary technical contact on tasks and projects.
• Resolve technical objectives and criteria to satisfy project objectives and execute the appropriate technical approaches with minimal direction.
• Collaborate with technical area leaders, project leaders, and program management to represent technical capabilities and project results to internal management and external sponsors.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, structural/applied mechanics or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computational structural mechanics, with experience in one or more of the following areas: material failure, high-rate system dynamics (e.g., penetration mechanics, hydrodynamics, or shock physics), hypervelocity impact, explosive modeling, or laser-matter interaction.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills needed to present and explain technical information, document work, prepare and present high-quality research papers, and provide technical summaries to project leadership.
• Experience using programming or scripting languages such as Python to facilitate technical analysis.
• Experience documenting research results in formal reports.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to travel.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced knowledge of computational structural mechanics and state-of-the-art modeling and simulation techniques, with significant experience in one or more of the following areas: material damage and failure mechanisms, high-rate system dynamics, hypervelocity impact, explosive modeling, or laser-matter interaction.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills needed to effectively collaborate in a team environment, guide the technical direction of projects, prepare and present successful proposals, and provide advice to management and sponsors.
• Significant experience using programming or scripting languages such as Python to facilitate complex technical analysis.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, structural/applied mechanics or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of advanced constitutive models for the response and equation of state for metals, composites, ceramics, foams, geologic materials, or polymers.
• Experience in large-scale scientific facilities, experimental programs, or national laboratory environments.
• Experience with NNSA laboratory codes (ALE3D, ParaDyn, Diablo, Sierra) or NIF-specific simulation codes in production analysis environments.
• Ability to secure and maintain access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

Pay and benefits

Pay Range $146,340 - $222,564 Annually $146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level $175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 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; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

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)

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

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.

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