We are seeking a technical staff member (job title: R&D S&E Mechanical Engineer) to join a collaborative team that uses state-of-the-art analytical and computational simulation techniques to perform first-of-a-kind engineering system analysis and thermal science research with a direct impact on national security. We seek individuals with educational backgrounds and/or professional experience in thermal fluid science (e.g., heat transfer, fluid dynamics) and computational simulation applications or development. The successful candidate will use and potentially develop state-of-the-art tools and models to perform computational simulations in support of applied R&D projects across our national security, nuclear deterrence, and energy mission applications.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Perform thermal, fluid dynamics and/or reacting material (e.g., solid decomposition, aerothermal ablation, re-entry, gas phase combustion, fire) research, development, modeling, and simulation to support a variety of projects for internal (Sandia) and external customers
- Use engineering analysis principles and computational methods to support the design, qualification, and fielding of high consequence engineered systems for national security missions
- Use and/or develop state-of-the-art tools and models to conduct computational simulations (e.g., fluid dynamics, turbulent flow, multiphase flow, conductive/convective/radiative transport, thermal-mechanical, reacting flow, porous media flow and heat transfer, and thermal decomposition)
- Apply and develop uncertainty quantification techniques and assess model credibility through the application of verification & validation principles
- Identify opportunities to modularize, automate, and streamline analysis workflows to reduce repetitive tasks and improve efficiency
- Engage with code and model development teams to develop and implement novel models and capabilities for high performance computing algorithms and environments
- Collaborate on 'digital thread' initiatives by developing credible, reliable, and well-documented analysis code utilizing modern software best practices
- Work closely with teams of code/model developers, analysts, and experimentalists to develop and implement novel models and capabilities for high performance computing algorithms and provide validated simulation results for complex and challenging R&D problems
- Serve as a technical bridge and systems-minded connector between physics analysis teams, software development groups, and experimentalists
- Collaborate and interact closely with a geographically-dispersed team, including engineers and other researchers and analysts across the laboratory at both the California and New Mexico sites
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. The preferred work location for this position is in Livermore, CA; Albuquerque, NM may be considered with regular travel to CA.
Applicants on this posting may be interviewed by multiple organizations at Sandia National Laboratories.
