Target Diagnostics Applied Physicist

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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

$140,700 - $214,032 Annually

$140,700 - $178,392 Annually for the SES.2 level

$168,780 - $214,032 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.

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.

We have an opening for a motivated and technically skilled Target Diagnostics Applied Physicist to join and support the National Ignition Facility (NIF) Target Diagnostics group. In this role, you will develop advanced target diagnostic instrumentation, data analysis, hands-on troubleshooting, and system modeling. You will also play a key role in supporting ongoing operations, driving technical improvements, with support for new and current target diagnostics on NIF. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate. 

In this role, you will:

• Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility, use comprehensive knowledge, and exercise independent judgment to determine methods and recommend improvements within established frameworks and contribute to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals.
• Provide comprehensive technical support for NIF Target Diagnostics System Managers with instrument optimization, design upgrades, data analysis, and applied operational troubleshooting for plasma, x-ray, gamma, neutron, optical, and high-speed electrical systems.
• Contribute to the development and implementation for test procedures, computational algorithms, and experimental setups for testing and calibration of moderately complex diagnostic systems on NIF.
• Conduct comprehensive analysis of moderately complex target diagnostic experimental shot data using software tools like Python to assess and verify the operational health and performance of systems.
• Participate in providing technical design proficiency and analytical support for development projects focused on new diagnostic capabilities.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to solve moderately complex technical problems and contribute to system modeling initiatives.
• Perform signal processing to analyze, filter, and interpret data from sensors and detectors.
• May provide guidance or direct activities of other less experienced team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level 

• Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation, and utilize innovative multidisciplinary approaches and technology to lead advanced level system modeling efforts to predict complex diagnostic performance that guides the development of novel plasma diagnostic requirements.
• Establish project objectives and strategy, and influence technical direction by applying high-level technical concepts and techniques to drive successful outcomes for deliverables.
• Provide advanced level technical guidance and mentorship to technical staff across the target diagnostic engineering and science organizations, fostering their technical development and supporting their growth within the team.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, applied physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering, or a relevant technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive level knowledge of and demonstrated practical experience with the application and development of building, testing, and deploying moderately complex diagnostic instrument hardware systems.
• Demonstrated familiarity and proficiency in technical troubleshooting, test plan development, experimental testing, and data analysis.
• Comprehensive level knowledge of, and experience developing and utilizing programming (esp. Python), particularly for data/image/signal processing analysis and hardware interface control.
• Proficient with electrical diagnostic hardware including oscilloscopes, imaging sensors, and other data acquisition systems.
• Broad understanding and experience with one or more of the following diagnostics: x-ray diagnostics, nuclear diagnostics, optical diagnostics, laser systems, or high-speed diagnostics (steak cameras, photodetectors, gated/framing cameras)
• Broad experience with and application of hardware control and software automation using Python.
• Comprehensive level problem-solving skills and a demonstrated hands-on approach to engineering challenges.
• Proficient written and verbal technical communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports, deliver presentations, and explain technical information.
• Proficient interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced-level knowledge and significant applied experience with one more of the following areas: x-ray diagnostics, nuclear diagnostics, optical diagnostics, laser systems, or high-speed diagnostics (steak cameras, photodetectors, gated/framing cameras).
• Significant experience in the development of complex and advanced-level principles, theories, concepts, and techniques relevant to target and experimental diagnostics.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and experience authoring reports/publications and delivering effective technical presentations, as well as advanced facilitation and collaboration skills to effectively influence and advise senior management and external sponsors.
• Demonstrated project management skills necessary to manage controls scope of a complex project and achieve system requirements within allotted schedule, while planning for future enhancements and creating strong process documentation. 

Qualifications we desire 

• Advanced degree, M.S. or Ph.D in physics, applied physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical field and or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Significant experience with High Energy Density diagnostic instrument development for operational experimental facilities such as NIF, Omega, academic laboratories, etc.
• Demonstrated systems engineering experience.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

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.

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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

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