Senior/Principal Diagnostic Scientist - X-ray Instrumentation, Onsite

About Sandia Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas. What Your Job Will Be Like The X‑ray Diagnostics and Experimental Systems group is seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to lead the development of advanced x‑ray imaging and spectroscopy instrumentation for experiments conducted on the Z Machine, the world’s most powerful pulsed‑power facility. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research in high‑energy‑density (HED) physics, working closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technologists. It will involve close collaboration across several organizations within the Pulsed Power Sciences Center at Sandia to lead the development of new x‑ray imaging and spectroscopic diagnostics aimed at addressing key questions about the hot plasmas generated with the Z‑machine, and maintaining our Center’s leadership in advancing x‑ray instrumentation across the HED physics community. Responsibilities Lead the design, development, and deployment of novel x‑ray diagnostics for Z Machine experiments. Analyze x‑ray imaging and spectroscopic data to extract physical insights into hot plasma behavior. Develop and apply calibration techniques for existing and new x‑ray diagnostics. Troubleshoot deployed systems and ensure the delivery of high‑quality experimental data. Collaborate across organizations within the Pulsed Power Sciences Center and with external partners. Present research at national and international conferences. Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals. Travel occasionally (2–3 weeks per year) for collaboration or conference participation. Salary Range $117,500–$235,700 Qualifications We Require A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development. Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance. Qualifications We Desire Graduate degree in Physics or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation). Experience preparing research for dissemination through presentations at national conferences and peer‑reviewed publications in top journals. Demonstrated leadership abilities of both projects and teams and the ability to work in loosely defined areas with minimal direction while maintaining vision for the overall mission. Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Additional Desired Experience PhD in plasma physics, electrical engineering, nuclear physics or related STEM field. Experience in designing and fielding x‑ray imaging and/or spectroscopy instrumentation for 1 to 100 keV. Experience as principal investigator for experimental campaigns on small‑scale, university HED facilities or large facilities such as Omega, Z, or NIF. Experience with calibrating and analyzing x‑ray spectral data. Knowledge of atomic physics in hot plasmas. Strong publication and presentation record. Ability to collaborate across a broad range of organizations such as universities, private industry, and other national laboratories. About Our Team The X‑ray Diagnostics and Experimental Systems department (01681) is within Pulsed Power Sciences Center at Sandia National Laboratories. We collaborate closely with principal investigators across the center and support experiments on the Z‑machine by developing and fielding novel x‑ray diagnostics and detectors. This team is part of the Radiation, Electrical and High Energy Density Science (REHEDS) Research Foundation at Sandia. Security Clearance Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Applicants with multiple citizenships may have their clearance eligibility impacted. Sandia is required by DOE to conduct pre‑employment drug testing and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Clearance denial or termination may preclude employment. EEO All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected class under state or federal law. NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug‑releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and are employed by Sandia National Laboratories, you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs. If selected for an on‑site interview, additional steps may be necessary prior to the interview date to ensure compliance. #J-18808-Ljbffr