Job Description

We have multiple openings for Mechanical Engineering Analysts. As an Engineering Analyst, you will help the analysis team support the engineering design, testing, and certification of our nation’s nuclear weapon systems by using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and some of the world’s largest computers. Our Engineering Analysts develop computational models using custom, in-house codes, use them to conduct engineering analysis of full weapon systems and components in thermal, quasi-static, dynamic, and hydrodynamic environments, and help guide design and test engineers to develop successful products and tests. Engineering Analysts at LLNL also perform research and development in advanced simulation capabilities and workflows including advanced constitutive modeling, pre- and post-processing, Simulation Process and Data Management (SPDM), Verification, Validation and Uncertainty Quantification (VVUQ), and workflow automation. These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED).

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.

You will

• Contribute to the development of finite element models of mechanical systems and components.
• Perform engineering analysis using finite element models and other techniques in support of stakeholders in design, modification, optimization, testing, and certification of the nuclear weapon systems under general direction.
• 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 and 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

• Perform engineering analysis using finite element models and other techniques in support of stakeholders in design, modification, optimization, testing, and certification of the nuclear weapon systems under limited direction and provide technical insight into stakeholder challenges.
• Work independently and with teams using established workflows, standards, and verification and validation best practices to solve moderately complex technical problems under limited direction.
• Participate in formal and informal design reviews as required.
• Contribute to the development of engineering analysis capabilities to achieve project deliverables.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental communication and organization skills necessary to perform duties.
• Experience with analysis techniques in a programming language .
• Demonstrated experience in complex data analysis.
• Experience using a CAD software such as Solidworks or PTC Creo.
• Fundamental knowledge of elasticity, plasticity, failure, and heat transfer in engineering materials/structures.
• Fundamental knowledge of materials science, engineering material performance, and properties of materials.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • mechanical behavior of materials
  • structural mechanics
  • failure mechanics
  • dynamics
  • modal response
  • heat transfer
  • hydrodynamics
  • thermo-mechanical response of engineering systems
• Ability to work independently with general direction and as part of a team within the assigned project.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability and willingness to be generally directed by more experienced staff in determining optimal techniques, methods, and evaluation criteria for answering engineering questions.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Proficient communication and organization skills necessary to perform duties.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis and the Finite Element Method or Computational Fluid Dynamics.
• Experience with static structural, thermal, thermal-mechanical, dynamic, or hydrodynamic analysis through FEA or fluids-based analysis in CFD.
• Experience using a CAD software such as Solidworks or PTC Creo to build or defeature geometry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of elasticity, plasticity, failure, and heat transfer in engineering materials/structures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of materials science, engineering material performance, and properties of materials .
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • mechanical behavior of materials
  • structural mechanics
  • failure mechanics
  • dynamics
  • modal response
  • heat transfer
  • hydrodynamics
  • thermo-mechanical response of engineering systems
• Ability to work independently with limited direction and as part of a team across multiple organizations at the Laboratory.
• Ability and willingness to consult with more experienced staff in determining optimal techniques, methods, and evaluation criteria for answering engineering questions.
• Experience developing solutions to moderately complex challenges to solve a technical problem or enable forward progress.
• Comprehensive understanding of associated analytical model used in mechanical engineering problem solving.
• Experience using a meshing software to develop hexahedral based meshes.

Qualifications We Desire at the SES.1 level

• Fundamental understanding of associated analytical model used in mechanical engineering problem solving .
• Experience using a meshing software.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis and the Finite Element Method.
• Experience with static structural, thermal, thermal-mechanical, or dynamic analysis.
• Average programming experience in Python, Java, C, Fortran, Perl, and/or MATLAB.

Qualifications We Desire at the SES.2 level

• Experience with commercial FEA codes such as Abaqus, Ansys, LS-Dyna, Nastran, CTH, or similar.
• Experience with national lab codes such as ParaDyn, Nike3D, Dyna3D, Diablo, Sierra, ALE3D, or similar.
• Understanding and ability to calibrate material models to test data.
• Experience in testing or experimental set up.
• Familiarity with Verification and Validation practices.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Advanced constitutive models
  • Continuum mechanics and material model development
  • Energetic materials
  • Magneto-hydrodynamics
  • Transportation safety analysis
  • Uncertainty quantification or statistics

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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.

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