Graduate Computational Nuclear Engineer or Software Developer
Los Alamos National Laboratory· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 7, 2026 · 20d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Mid
$115K–$166K est.
Job description
What You Will Do
Nuclear Systems (NEN-5) is a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers providing modeling and analysis capabilities to design and evaluate the potential risks of complex systems such as nuclear fuel cycles and to provide software engineering for multiple applications. We are seeking graduate students interested in nuclear science/engineering and computer science/software development related careers who want to make an impact in one or more areas of our Global Security mission.
Ideal candidates will take an active role in either modeling, simulation, and analytical support for nuclear systems and security applications or in developing software that will be deployed for nuclear systems. Students may work with scientists and engineers to develop, execute, and analyze computational models using state-of-the-art tools for radiation transport, reactor systems analysis, and systems-level modeling. Students may also work with a full-stack software development team utilizing a variety of software languages, frameworks and modernization of legacy scientific codebases. The students will participate across multiple teams and gain exposure to problem solving and modeling and analysis workflow, including problem formulation, code development or application, verification and validation, interpretation of results, and software quality assurance. Locally, this will include attending group meetings within NEN-5 and participating in seminars and technical exchanges with other organizations across the Laboratory.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Experience:
Demonstrated foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in nuclear engineering, physics, computer science, or a closely related science or engineering discipline. Experience applying computational or analytical methods to engineering, physics, or software development, including exposure to radiation transport, reactor physics, numerical modeling, or full-stack software development using SCRUM and AGILE technologies.
Communications:
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a professional scientific or technical environment, both verbally and in writing. Experience documenting technical work through reports, presentations, or instructional materials. Proficiency with standard business and productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office).
Teamwork
Experience working collaboratively in team-based environments, including research, instructional, or operational settings. Ability to work effectively with peers, mentors, and multidisciplinary teams.
Education/Experience
• Currently enrolled in an accredited engineering, physics, computer science, or related science graduate degree.
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours or full-time equivalent) in an accredited degree-granting program
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Students in their dissertation/thesis phase must enroll in at least one credit hour until they graduate, or in a zero credit "continuous enrollment" place holder
Desired Qualifications:
• Experience or coursework in radiation transport, reactor physics, systems-level nuclear analysis, or computer science
• Familiarity with Monte Carlo radiation transport codes (e.g., MCNP) or similar computational modeling tools
• Experience with scientific programming or scripting (e.g., Python) in support of modeling, simulation, or data analysis
• Experience documenting technical methods and results for reports, presentations, or academic publications
• C# and ASP/Net, C++, JAVA JavaScript or Python languages.
• JSON, YAML or Message Pack serialization languages.
• ASP.Net Core, Blazor, Node.js, React, FAST Frameworks.
• MCV, MVP, Microservices and Event Driven Architectures.
• Ability to obtain a Q Clearance. Obtaining a Q clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
• Cover Letter
• In addition to the resume or CV, you must include a cover letter addressing each of the minimum job requirements and desired skills.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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 childbirth 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.
No Clearance : Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
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.
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. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947. Instructions on How to Activate/ Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Pto
Parental Leave
Wellness