High Performance Computing Software Engineer (Scientist 3)
Los Alamos National Laboratory· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 10, 2026 · 17d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$195K est.
6+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
The Eulerian Codes Group (XCP-2) is looking for exceptional candidates to develop and optimize cutting-edge algorithms for massively parallel multi-physics codes on heterogeneous high-performance computing platforms. XCP-2 staff span a wide range of computational physics disciplines including software engineering, numerical fluid and solid mechanics, materials science, radiation hydrodynamics, plasma physics, turbulence, magnetohydrodynamics, high explosives, nuclear physics and engineering, and neutral and charged particle transport. The duties of our well-compensated professionals include research and development of applied physics and engineering models, the implementation of these methods into production codes using excellent software development practices, the testing and validation of these methods, and the education and support of users as they adopt these methods.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Knowledge
Demonstrated advanced-level expertise and leadership experience in software modernization and performance optimization.
High Performance Computing
Proven expertise in developing and implementing massively parallel numerical simulations, with demonstrated experience deploying numerical algorithms across heterogeneous computing architectures
Software Engineering & Design
Recognized proficiency with modern C++. Applicants with experience in Fortran and C languages and the development of multi-physics scientific codes, including software engineering practices and user support, will be given preference.
Collaboration
Teamwork is essential to the success of our group. As such you will need to have demonstrated the ability to function effectively in a team environment with a willingness to learn new skills and be flexible in work assignments. This includes exhibiting professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors.
Mentorship
At this level you will be expected to have experience mentoring students, postdocs and/or more junior staff.
Funding & Project Management
Proven track record of securing and expanding funding for small to medium-sized projects, with demonstrated experience successfully leading such projects from inception to completion.
Education/Experience : Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications :
Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or closely related discipline preferred.
C++ Expertise
Proficiency in advanced C++ techniques (template metaprogramming, compile-time programming) and C++ standards knowledge strongly preferred.
Mission Focus
Experience working within LANL's research environment and demonstrated impact on nuclear weapons program deliverables strongly preferred.
Note to Applicants :
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.
Applicants should submit a CV/Resume and cover letter. The cover letter should be composed of a one-page career narrative followed by a bulleted list of the applicant's relevant experience for each requirement.
Contact: Brandon Smith (bmsmith@lanl.gov)
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.
Clearance : Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such 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.
*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.
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.
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Benefits
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Dental
Vision
401(K)
Pto
Parental Leave
Wellness