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Mechanical - Structural Analyst

Physics World
Livermore, CA
Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

 Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$121,830 - $185,544 Annually

$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; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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.

Job Description

We have multiple openings for Mechanical/Structural Engineering Analysts with a strong background in solid mechanics and finite element analysis (FEA) to support Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) stockpile programs. In this role, you will perform computational modeling and simulation using advanced, nonlinear finite element analysis codes developed at LLNL to evaluate structural and material responses to combined thermal, quasi-static or dynamic, and hydrodynamic loads under time-dependent kinematic conditions.

You will contribute to research and development in advanced simulation capabilities, including constitutive modeling, Simulation Process and Data Management (SPDM), as well as Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification. Your work will support engineering design, testing, and certification of the nation’s nuclear weapon systems through both advanced development and practical design and assessment initiatives. These positions will be in the Weapon Analysis and Methods (WAM) section within the Computational Engineering Division (CED) of the Engineering Directorate.

These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

  • Contribute to the development of finite element analysis (FEA) models of mechanical components and contribute to the integration of the components into structural models at system level,
  • Perform structural and/or thermal analyses using in-house codes for design, modification, optimization, testing, and certification of the nuclear weapon systems, in general technical guidance.
  • Document and present (as appropriate) simulation and analysis results and technical approaches.
  • Work with teams of analysts, code developers, engineers, and subject matter experts using established workflows, standards, and verification/validation best practices to solve technical problems under general direction.
  • Support deliverables with occasional travel as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Responsibilities At The SES.2 Level

  • Develop finite element analysis (FEA) models of nuclear weapon systems, perform rigorous FEA of the systems, make engineering judgments on the system performances, and provide engineering resolutions to technical issues under limited direction.
  • Work independently and with teams using established workflows, standards, and verification/validation best practices to solve moderately complex technical problems under limited direction.
  • Participate in formal and informal design reviews as required.
  • Develop engineering analysis capability enhancements to achieve project deliverables, which may include contributing to FEA codes and pre-/post-processing systems.

Qualifications

  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
  • Masters degree in mechanical, structural, or aerospace engineering, or structural/applied mechanics, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
  • Experience with commercial FEA tools (LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, ANSYS, ADINA or similar), or NNSA national laboratory codes (ParaDyn, Diablo, Sierra, or similar).
  • Fundamental knowledge of continuum mechanics (or advanced solid mechanics) and the finite element method.
  • Ability to work under general direction and use independent judgment to determine analysis methods and evaluation criteria while working independently or as part of a team within the assigned project group.
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
  • Ability to travel occasionally.

Additional Qualifications At The SES.2 Level

  • Comprehensive knowledge in one or more technical areas: mechanical behavior of materials, structural mechanics, failure mechanics, dynamics, modal response, heat transfer, hydrodynamics, or thermo-mechanical response, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team across multiple organizations at the Laboratory.
  • Experience in developing solutions to moderately complex technical challenges to enable forward progress, and comprehensive knowledge of elasticity, plasticity, failure, heat transfer, material science, engineering material performance, and properties of materials.
  • Effective communication and organizational skills necessary to perform duties and specific experience performing static structural, thermal, thermal-mechanical, dynamic, or hydrodynamic analysis through FEA.

Qualifications We Desire

  • Experience with finite element meshing software to develop high quality hexahedral based meshes that are sufficient for the selected analysis approach.
  • Programming experience, particularly in Python and/or MATLAB, and familiarity with Git version control environments.
  • Experience with commercial FEA codes such as Abaqus, Ansys, LS-Dyna, Nastran, CTH, or similar; or with NNSA national laboratory codes such as ParaDyn, Nike3D, Dyna3D, Diablo, Sierra, ALE3D, or similar.
  • Experience with the calibration and benchmarking of material models on empirical test data and working knowledge in experimental techniques and verification/validation practices.
  • Familiarity with FEA and Computational Mechanics Theory and practice, including nonlinear solid mechanics, heat transfer and material modeling.

Additional Information

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

  • Included in 2025 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

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.

How To Identify Fake Job Advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams:

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

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

Posted 2026-01-15

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