National Security Engineering Division - Space Hardware Postdoctoral Researcher

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$117,900 - $135,060 Annually

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.

We have an opening for a Space Hardware Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in the areas of structural mechanics, and engineering design of advanced materials for space applications. You will contribute to cutting-edge research focused on developing the next generation of large aperture optical space payloads, with a focus on novel structures, mechanisms and advanced materials. This position is in Advanced Space Development Group (ASDG) in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED), within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Conduct fundamental research in structural dynamics of novel materials for space payload applications.
• Develop custom structural and dynamic finite element simulations.
• Research and advise the Space Hardware group on research direction for novel materials.
• Contribute to the conception, design and execution of experiments related to novel material development and characterization.
• Support lab experiments to test and characterize mechanical response of novel materials for space applications.
• Communicate and collaborate with engineers, scientists and physicists supporting space payload development.
• Develop new computational tools for high performance computing studies.
• Support proposal development for the Space Hardware group.
• Design research plans, generate and analyze results, publish findings in peer- reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings.
• Contribute to technical reports for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Travel as needed to coordinate with research collaborators and visit field sites.
• 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 a related field physical science, engineering or applied mathematics discipline.
• Experience designing complex mechanical devices, accounting for material choices, thermal management, and preferably, optical performance. 
• Experience developing innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems.
• Ability to perform and undertake independent and original research and communicate findings through publication of journal articles and presentations at seminars and scientific meetings.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated leadership skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to travel. 

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in mathematical modeling of material interactions in harsh environments.
• Demonstrated understanding of the requirements of space-bound mechanical components and mechanisms.
• Demonstrated understanding of the effects of radiation on space electronics and how to use novel material approaches to provide appropriate shielding.

#LI-Onsite

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 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please 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. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.