Design Physicist - Active Security Clearance Required

Associate | Full-time Physical Life Sciences | Livermore, CA | 10/22/2026Reference #: REF9035QJob Code: SES.2 Science & Engineering MTS 2 / SES.3 Science & Engineering MTS 3Organization: Strategic DeterrencePosition Type: Career IndefiniteSecurity Clearance: Active DOE Q clearance (or active Top Secret clearance)Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)Medical Exam: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required Company DescriptionJoin us and make YOUR mark on the World!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.Job DescriptionWe are seeking an exceptional Physical Scientist and Engineer with a background in fields such as plasma physics, radiation transport, atomic physics, nuclear physics, physical chemistry, condensed matter physics, computational physics, or hydrodynamics. Our national-security mission encompasses aspects of computational, theoretical, and experimental physics associated with the complex processes of nuclear explosives. Under limited direction, you will be responsible for advancing our understanding and developing methodologies for important national-security challenges. This position is in the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate. This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.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 willAssess the complex physics interactions that take place in nuclear explosion.Design and provide analysis of experiments exploring the physics of nuclear explosives.Simulate weapons phenomena and perform weapons assessment and certification tasks using physical models in computer codes.Define and implement stockpile stewardship for specific weapons systems.Present and disseminate research results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications, in both open and classified environments, internal and external to LLNL. Responsibilities may also include interacting with external stakeholders, both at DOE/NNSA and across the broader interagency, as well as via offsite assignments.Develop expertise in interrelated fields of physics important to weapons assessment and certification.Travel minimally or substantially based on needs of projects.Perform other duties as assigned.Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 LevelIndependently develop, assess and provide in depth analysis of the complex physics interactions that take place in nuclear explosion where problems may not be well defined.Work as technical expert on multidisciplinary team.Guide the analysis and lead the design of experiments exploring the physics of nuclear explosives.QualificationsThis position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.Record of completing outstanding research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.Experience with computer-based design and analysis of experiments.Aptitude for mastering new fields of physics; a record of creativity, physical insight, and breadth of understanding in applications of complex physical processes.Experience in using advanced computational facilities for applied physics analysis and conducting applied physics research.Proficient verbal and written communication and presentation skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports, publications, invited papers, and to deliver scientific presentations.Experience working effectively independently and in a multidisciplinary, team-research environment.Self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems.Additional qualifications at the SES.3 LevelAdvanced knowledge of physics, engineering, or a related field.Significant experience and ability to lead independent work conducting applied physics research.Record of leading top quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineeringPlease include a personalized cover letter with your application, highlighting your qualifications and why you're interested in this position.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 levelThis 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.Additional Information#LI-HybridPosition InformationThis 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 Package401(k)Relocation AssistanceEducation Reimbursement ProgramFlexible schedules (*depending on project needs)Our values - visit Security ClearanceThis position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire. Pre-Employment Drug TestExternal 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 DevicesPer 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.Pre-Placement Medical ExamA job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.How to identify fake job advertisementsPlease be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. 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