HEAF Explosives Research Experimental Lead

About the role

The Explosives Research Experimental Lead position is located in the High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF) within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division, supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

Responsibilities

• Work under guidance to research, evaluate, design, and test explosive systems and materials for multiple projects.
• Support research efforts by adhering to the highest standards of personnel and facility safety while supporting the execution of high-energy, multi-hazard experiments.
• Plan, execute, diagnose, analyze, and interpret limited complex to moderately complex data from explosively driven experiments in collaboration with diagnostics operators, other scientists, and technical personnel, under limited direction at HEAF.
• Document and report results, identify problems, plan projects to solve problems, and communicate lessons learned.
• Prepare safety and engineering documentation and reports required for the safe, compliant, and efficient execution of experiments.
• Contribute original scientific/engineering solutions to the design of explosive experiments.
• Develop experimental requirements and oversee the implementation of the various components of the experiment.
• Monitor and participate in the assembly of the experimental hardware to ensure that the explosives assemblies meet specifications.
• Support explosives production supply chain to ensure samples are produced on schedule and to the quality needed to support experiments.
• Perform technical quality assurance checks on these experiments including performing or directing others to perform the setup, alignment, and execution of the confirmatory dry-runs to ensure that the expected data returned on the experiment will be of the highest quality possible within funding targets.
• Present and disseminate research results to sponsors and document experimental setup and results in open and classified environments.
• Participate in formal and informal design reviews and analyses and present design materials to internal and external audiences.
• Travel minimally based on needs of projects.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-Level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental to comprehensive understanding of a specific area of science or engineering applicable to explosives characterization or safety testing.
• Experience performing hands-on experimental science in bench top and/or test facility environments and familiarity with experimentation in a highly regimented and regulated environment.
• Fundamental knowledge of hazardous material supply chain logistics, including planning, production, transportation, usage, and waste management.
• Experience managing small to medium-sized technical projects.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems, and innovative skills to identify/develop creative solutions.
• Experience working effectively independently and in a multi-disciplinary, team-based research environment to achieve goals.
• Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence necessary to work effectively with a wide range of personalities in both one-on-one and team environments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills necessary to explain, negotiate and advise on experimental design as well as documenting and presenting results.
• Proficiency in standard office computing software.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification as a High Explosive Handler.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. in a safe and controlled manner.

Additional Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of physics, engineering, mathematics, mechanical, aerospace or nuclear engineering or a related field.
• Broad experience and demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated record of completing and/or leading top-quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working in an explosive or equivalent high-hazard operational area and the ability to work safely around explosives.
• Experience using computer-aided design tools.
• Experience managing other personnel in a team environment.
• Experience with any of the following topics: dynamic radiography, high-speed photography, Photonic Doppler Velocimetry, radiometry, pulsed power (flash lamps, fire sets), system generated EMP, grounding and shielding.
• Knowledge of the LLNL weapons program and/or explosive hydrodynamic experimentation.

Pay Range

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level
$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level

Additional Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).