W87-0 System Physics Lead - Active Security Clearance Required

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:

$202,500 - $308,184 Annually

$202,500 - $256,824 Annually for the SES.4 level

$243,060 - $308,184 Annually for the SES.5 level

This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith 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 Physics Lead for the W87-0 system to work within Weapon Physics and Design (WPD).  In this role you will be responsible for the Annual Assessment of the physics performance of the W87-0 system.  You will work closely with the WPD Associate Program Director for Stockpile Design and Modernization as well as the other system leads, the system engineering team, and WPD Program Group Leaders to accomplish WPD and SD programmatic deliverables. This position is in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) 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.

In this role, you will

• Determine and rank priorities for annual W87-0 system physics assessments.
• In consultation with the W87-0 Primary and Secondary Physics Leads, coordinate and present the budget and short and long-term physics assessment plan for the system
• Simulate weapons phenomena and perform highly advanced weapons assessments using physical models in computer codes.
• Prepare and present material for the Annual Assessment Review of the W87-0 at the WPD, SD, and Lab Director’s level.
• Represent the W87-0 to WPD and SD management at internal and external meetings, including preparing and giving presentations.
• Assign responsibilities to and ensure mentoring of staff members new to the system.
• Work with engineering and other SD partners to coordinate and assign responsibility for assessments of any surveillance findings relevant to the system.
• Promote and maintain strong relationships and communication with NNSA and other NNSA laboratories and sites.
• Develop and promote partnerships and collaborations across LLNL with disciplines and other programs to ensure programmatic deliverables are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.5 level

• Participate in the negotiations for Stockpile to Target Sequence (STS) requirements for new delivery vehicle.
• Negotiate additional budget and scope with the Weapons Technologies and Engineering (WTE) program management.
• Develop and implement plans for small scale experiments to validate models.
• Develop and implement strategies, plans, and goals to advance the state of the art in assessments.

• This 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 the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant experience and expertise in the physics of nuclear weapons and knowledge of SD and the LLNL weapons program.
• Expert communication skills, both written and verbal, necessary to effectively explain, present, negotiate, advise, and influence internal and external sponsors.
• Substantial experience developing innovative methods to expand knowledge of interrelated fields of highly advanced physics important to weapons assessment and certification.
• Substantial experience setting specific strategies and/or directing multi-disciplinary teams to achieve program goals.

Additional qualifications at the SES.5 level

• Demonstrated extensive expert knowledge of primary and secondary physics.
• Demonstrated extensive experience setting and implementing specific strategies and directing multi-disciplinary teams to achieve stockpile goals.
• Substantial experience communicating weapons program information to external and internal sponsors and customers.

Qualifications We Desire

• Significant experience and knowledge of LLNL weapon programs.
• Significant experience or knowledge of one or more production agencies.
• Substantial experience communicating to NNSA sponsors and DoD stakeholders.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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 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 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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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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. 

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