Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for an
Experimental Physicist to support diamond anvil cell (DAC) experiments and related high-pressure physics research. You will work with physicists and technical staff to prepare, execute, and support experiments involving radiological samples, specialized containment systems, and experimental hardware. This role supports safe, efficient, and schedule-driven experimental operations across multiple laboratory spaces and contributes directly to experimental readiness, radiological material movement, and laboratory reliability.
This position is in the Condensed Matter Section, Physics Division, within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.
This position will be filled at either the SES.1 or SES.2 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job duties will be assigned at the higher level.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
You will
- Support diamond anvil cell and related high-pressure physics experiments by assisting with experiment preparation, setup, execution, and post-experiment activities.
- Assist with the preparation, handling, containment, packaging, transfer, and shipment of radiological samples in accordance with Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and Laboratory requirements.
- Prepare DAC assemblies and perform precision triple-seal containment work for radiological samples, where accuracy, contamination control, and adherence to procedures are essential to experimental success.
- Assemble, maintain, modify, and repair experimental hardware, fixtures, and mechanical components used in DAC and related laboratory experiments.
- Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and readiness checks for scientific equipment, laboratory instrumentation, high-pressure systems, and related laboratory support systems.
- Work from procedures, drawings, and technical direction to support laboratory operations, hardware preparation, and experimental activities.
- Coordinate with scientists and support personnel to help meet experimental schedules, sample movement needs, and laboratory readiness requirements.
- Document technical work, maintenance activities, equipment status, and experimental support activities.
- Maintain a high level of safety awareness and follow written safety procedures while coordinating hazardous activities with ES&H and other organizations as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Responsibilities, At The SES.2 Level
- Perform assignments of broader scope and moderate complexity in support of DAC and related high-pressure physics experiments, with the ability to work independently on defined technical tasks.
- Coordinate radiological sample preparation, containment, packaging, transfer, shipment, and related logistics across multiple organizations to support schedule-critical experimental activities.
- Apply broad technical knowledge to troubleshoot and resolve moderately complex problems involving experimental hardware, containment systems, radiological sample handling, and laboratory operations.
- Design, fabricate, assemble, modify, and maintain simple to moderately complex mechanical components and experimental systems; translate technical concepts into drawings and fabrication-ready deliverables in coordination with internal shops or external vendors.
- Perform and coordinate preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, operational readiness checks, and corrective actions for scientific equipment, laboratory instrumentation, high-pressure systems, gas regulators, eyewash stations, and related laboratory support systems across multiple laboratory spaces.
- Identify equipment, workflow, and operational issues; recommend and implement improvements using established methods, procedures, and sound technical judgment.
- Support technical handoffs and coordination among scientists and support organizations to help ensure deadlines and operational milestones are met.
- Clearly communicate technical information and document results, procedures, and support activities.
Qualifications
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures in physics, laboratory research, or experimental support.
- Experience supporting laboratory, research, prototype, or other technical environments.
- Experience with experimental hardware, laboratory equipment, instrumentation, or related mechanical systems.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a team environment and document technical work.
Additional Qualifications At The SES.2 Level
- Relevant experience demonstrating the ability to perform independent work in a scientific, engineering, or technical environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of concepts in physics, engineering, or related technical disciplines, and working knowledge of related fields as applied to the assignment.
- Experience applying technical principles, theories, and concepts to solve moderately complex problems.
- Experience supporting the preparation, execution, troubleshooting, maintenance, or improvement of experimental hardware, scientific equipment, laboratory instrumentation, or related laboratory operations.
- Experience designing, fabricating, assembling, modifying, and maintaining simple to moderately complex mechanical components, fixtures, or laboratory systems.
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate and explain technical information.
Qualifications We Desire
- Experience supporting diamond anvil cell experiments, high-pressure physics research, condensed matter experiments, or related materials science or physics laboratory work.
- Experience with safe and secure handling, packaging, coordination, or transportation of radiological, hazardous, or otherwise controlled materials.
- Knowledge of fundamentals of radiation, contamination control, radioactive sources, containment methods, and radiation detection techniques.
- Experience performing precision assembly or containment work requiring strong attention to detail and quality control.
- Experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks or Creo/ProE to produce 3D models, fabrication drawings, and design revisions.
- Experience supporting or troubleshooting high-pressure systems and associated laboratory hardware.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to understand how components, equipment, and processes fit together in an experimental environment.
- Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and attention to detail in supporting laboratory readiness, technical documentation, or complex technical operations.
Pay Range
$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level
$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
- Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
- Flexible Benefits Package
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
- Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
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