Computer Scientist (Scientist 1/2)

Company: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Location: Los Alamos
Posted on: March 17, 2023

Job Description:

**What You Will Do**

**This position will be filled at either the Scientist 1 or Scientist 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.**

The Safeguards Science and Technology group (NEN-1) is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, results-oriented software engineer or nuclear engineer with a strong interest in software development to apply for a Scientist 1 or 2 position. A safeguards scientist, data scientist or related physical scientist with strong programming skills are encouraged to apply. You would join a diverse and goal-oriented cadre of peers dedicated to NEN-1's primary mission of developing and deploying nondestructive assay technologies and associated software suites in support of domestic and international nuclear safeguards and security. The group accomplishes this mission by fostering a work environment that encourages innovation, creative problem solving, team work, and passion for the mission while allowing flexibility in the work assignment. The group's core competencies and R&D areas include nuclear engineering, safeguards data analysis and acquisition software development and deployment, custom instrumentation development, mechanical and electrical engineering design, prototype fabrication, and training. The group currently has programs that focus on design and development of nondestructive assay technologies (measuring neutron and gamma radiation, heat, and other signatures), which includes a strong software development component focused on deployable user-friendly software for use by international safeguards inspectors, safeguards practitioners, and nuclear facility operators. LANL owns and has developed a suite of flagship software packages used in international and domestic nuclear safeguards that require regular support, development and modernization to align with emerging nuclear threats and challenges. We are seeking individuals that can contribute to NEN-1's mission by providing some or all of the following:

--- Robust computer programming skills (C#, C++, and/or Python);

--- Ability to understand nuclear safeguards relevant mathematical algorithms and implement them in software format;

--- Experience with database development and management;

--- Ability to understand basic technical concepts of nuclear instrumentation;

--- Software Quality Assurance

Most NEN-1 projects are multi-disciplinary in nature and conducted in diverse technical teams. The successful candidate will be encouraged to learn and develop new skills to support other work assignments within NEN-1 and the Laboratory in general.

**Scientist 1 ($90,000 - $147,100)**

At the Scientist 1 level, the candidate will be expected to contribute to assigned activities in support of nuclear safeguards and security projects. This may include assisting in the development and implementation of on-going or new software or technical efforts, contributing to the completion of deliverables and milestones, and participation in the development of publications and presentations. The candidate will be expected to give presentations at discipline-specific meetings and colloquia and may participate in professional societies and program specific interactions.

**Scientist 2 ($99,200 - $164,100)**

In addition to what is outlined for the Scientist 1 position, the Scientist 2 candidate is expected to lead technical discussions, develop new methods, techniques or approaches to address critical technical and software problems, and lead specific project tasks to meet scope, schedule and budget. The candidate will be expected to work on teams to develop proposals and to mentor students and/or postdocs in technical and professional growth.

**What You Need**

**Minimum Job Requirements:**

**Technical R&D Experience:** Demonstrated experience in software development and implementation. Candidates with nuclear instrumentation experience (such as developing, testing, and using radiation measurement systems and/or demonstrated experience in implementing data analysis methods on diverse datasets related to radiation measurements or safeguards applications) or with a nuclear engineering degree and possessing robust software skills are strongly encouraged to apply as well.

**Communication and Teaming** **:** Experience in working effectively both independently and in a team. Working with science teams to translate new computational and analysis approaches to production software.

**Work Environment** : Experience working in a creative technical environment with diverse teams of scientists and engineers. Demonstrated record of fostering a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

**Cover Letter:** In addition to the resume or CV, you must include a cover letter addressing each of the Minimum Job Requirements and Desired Qualifications.

**Additional Job Requirements for the Scientist 2:**

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requ **i** res:

**Proposal Writing:** Experience in contributing to or writing proposals.

**Project Leadership:** Demonstrated experience in leading project tasks to completion.

**Training/Certifications:** N/A

**Education/Experience for the Scientist 1** : Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

**Education/Experience for the Scientist 2** : Position requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and four years of related experience.

**Desired Qualifications:**

+ Experience/knowledge of Windows, .NET

+ Proficiency in C++, C# or Python

+ Experience with Databases, SQL Server, WPF and MVVM

+ Familiarity with Git and SCRUM

+ Experience with RFID technology

+ Experience with nondestructive assay instruments or methodologies used in nuclear safeguards, security, arms control, or nonproliferation verification is a valuable complementary skillset and nuclear engineers with strong software skills or interests are encouraged to apply

+ Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance

**Location:** This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

**Position commitment:** Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

**Note to Applicants:** In addition to the resume or CV, you must include a cover letter addressing each of the minimum job requirements and desired skills.

**Where You Will Work**

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

+ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

+ Dental and vision insurance

+ Free basic life and disability insurance

+ Paid maternity and parental leave

+ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

+ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

+ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

+ Onsite gyms and wellness programs

+ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

**Additional Details**

**Directive 206.2** - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

**Clearance: Q** (Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

**New-Employment Drug Test:** The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

**Regular position:** Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

**Internal Applicants:** Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

**Equal Opportunity:** Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Employment StatusFull Time

Keywords: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Santa Fe , Computer Scientist (Scientist 1/2), Other , Los Alamos, New Mexico