Nonlinear Computational Analysis Engineer

LLNL • $146K — $222K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. citizenship required for DOE Q-level security clearance.
  • Master's degree in mechanical/aerospace/structural engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Strong background in computational mechanics, focusing on material failure and high-rate dynamics.
  • Proficient in programming/scripting languages such as Python for technical analysis.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation and presentations.
  • Experience in developing complex finite element models.
  • Must be able to travel as required.

Responsibilities

  • Assess complex mechanical systems under high-rate loading conditions.
  • Manage multiple technical tasks in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Apply technical knowledge to achieve project goals, including post-failure material response analysis.
  • Conduct verification analyses and participate in peer reviews for analytical quality.
  • Contribute to training and meetings, involving some travel for collaboration with government entities.
  • Ensure compliance with security requirements for classified and unclassified data.
  • Perform additional assigned duties as needed.

Benefits

  • Flexible benefits package including retirement plans and relocation assistance.
  • Comprehensive education reimbursement program.
  • Flexible work schedules based on project needs and team collaboration.
  • Recognition as one of the Best Places to Work by Glassdoor in 2026.
Full Job Description
Wehave 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 - 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 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. Additional Information #LI-Hybrid Position Information This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

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