R&D Scientific Software Developer - Scientist 1
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.
2+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
Join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security; the work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world.
We are looking for outstanding candidates in the field of computer science, electrical engineering, or related fields with a strong aptitude in application development. This position will support the development of user-friendly R&D software capabilities for advanced decision support and analysis on the cutting edge to solve constantly evolving, emergent national security challenges. Areas of active research with immediate needs are broad and include power transmission and distribution, microgrids, artificial intelligence and machine learning including large language models (LLMs), and stochastic optimization for strategic deterrence. The candidate is expected to work in a collaborative environment across different disciplines and demonstrate the ability to pivot across a variety of research areas.
This position is part of the Computational Intelligence & Modeling Group (A-1), who facilitate the application of trusted, cutting-edge modeling, simulation, and data-driven intelligence capabilities backed by rigorous engineering and validation to enable rapid, evidence-based decision-making for critical national and global security challenges. A-1 is the essential connection between research frontiers and mission success, where innovative research and development (R&D) transforms information on global threats into knowledge to keep decision makers ahead of the curve. Agility and adaptability are highly prized and emphasized; because the global threat landscape constantly evolves, so too does A-1's R&D portfolio. Some examples of A-1's current stakeholders include the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of War, Department of Homeland Security, Intelligence Community, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and many others. To achieve this, A-1 has a diverse team of subject matter experts, from mathematicians and economists to engineers and physicists, to computer and data scientists.
We are expecting to hire two Scientists to an initial 2-year term appointment. In the short-term, candidates are expected to work on deliverable-focused engineering tasks for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity, e.g., developing software applications in Julia, API development, demonstration of tools on real-world applications, and collaboration with other laboratories on multi-lab projects. This will involve research on topics that include phase unbalanced power system modeling, control and optimization of transmission and distribution networks under uncertainty, design of resilient networks, and/or analysis of interdependent networks.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
• Programming experience in Python and MATLAB.
• Experience with collaborative software development and related tools (e.g., git).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary scientific environment.
• Demonstrated dedication to continuous learning and a high level of self motivation and independence.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written skills.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q and SCI security clearances, which generally requires U.S. citizenship.
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
• Programming experience in multiple languages (e.g., Julia, Rust, Java, C/C++, R, Javascript, and/or Typescript), in addition to the minimum required programming experience.
• Experience with front-end web and/or application development.
• Experience with high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes, AWS, etc.
• Experience developing APIs and data schemas for software communication.
• Experience in electric power transmission, distribution, and/or microgrid modeling.
• Experience formulating and solving mathematical optimization problems and background in disciplines such as optimization and control theory.
• An M.S. in electrical engineering, computer science or a related field within the past 5 years.
Note to Applicants:
To apply, please use the "apply now" button below. Include a cover letter describing your experience and research interests and a resume. If possible, please include a link to samples of code you have written.
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.
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:
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.
Clearance: L or Q or Q/SCI (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.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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.
Term position: Regular-status Laboratory employees applying for term-status positions may retain regular status with approval of the cognizant Principle Associate Director.
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.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
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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