Artificial Intelligence Integration Engineer (Scientist 1/2)
- Req. Number: IRC139385
- Organization : XCP-AI4ND/Artificial Intelligence for Nuclear Deterrence
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Recruiter Name: Nyenhuis, Niko Alexander
- Recruiter Email: nnyenhuis@lanl.gov
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at the Scientist 1 or Scientist 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
We are hiring a team to pioneer trustworthy and reliable artificial intelligence (AI) methods that will revolutionize scientific discovery and national security. At Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the X Computational Physics Division's Artificial Intelligence for Nuclear Deterrence Group (XCP-AI4ND) develops, validates, and delivers machine learning systems that enhance the safety, reliability, and performance of the nation's nuclear deterrent. Specifically, the group builds AI tools for weapons physics to support the laboratory's mission of maintaining and modernizing the U.S. nuclear stockpile while exploring future deterrent options. These AI tools accelerate weapons design, engineering, production, certification, and assessment processes, while also strengthening the assessment and mitigation of global security threats. As an AI Research Engineer in XCP-AI4ND, you will lead workflow compression efforts by applying large language models and other AI techniques to streamline critical phases of the nuclear weapons lifecycle.
You will work closely with computational physicists and national security experts in the X Computational Physics (XCP) Division, leveraging some of the world's most advanced supercomputers and global expertise in multi-physics simulation. XCP staff span a wide range of computational physics modeling disciplines including numerical fluid and solid mechanics, materials science, radiation hydrodynamics, plasma physics, turbulence, magnetohydrodynamics, high explosives, nuclear physics and engineering, and neutral and charged particle transport. Other research efforts focus on optimizing physics algorithms for both homogeneous and heterogeneous high-performance computing platforms. Our scientists conduct applied physics and engineering research, implement models into production codes using strong software development practices, test and validate these methods, and assist users with adoption. At LANL, you will be part of a thriving, interdisciplinary research environment, working alongside leading scientists and engineers to tackle some of the world's hardest science and security challenges.
We are seeking talented software engineers and scientists to join our teams located in Los Alamos, New Mexico and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to choose their work location based on personal preference and project fit. Both locations offer unique opportunities for professional growth and impact. Please indicate your preferred work location in your cover letter when applying.
Scientist 1 $94,500 - $154,600
We are looking for a technically skilled and curious research engineer who is excited about using AI tools to automate the repetitive or manual parts of scientific computing and manufacturing processes. This includes applying LLMs and coding assistants to accelerate development, debugging, documentation, and system integration tasks. This role emphasizes pragmatic, high-impact applications of AI. At LANL, we tackle scientific and national security challenges that go beyond standard AI, requiring innovative solutions to work with unique data modalities, multi-physics simulations, and sparse or noisy datasets. Your work will be critical to integrating and transitioning novel ML models developed by colleagues into real-world mission workflows.
The ideal candidate will have strong software development skills, experience with modern DevOps or MLOps practices, and a willingness to contribute across the hardware-software stack. In this role, you will support interdisciplinary research projects by operationalizing machine learning workflows, integrating AI into larger scientific applications, and ensuring reproducibility and reliability of results. Strong Unix system administration expertise, DevOps engineering capabilities, or experience in backend/front-end application development are highly valued.
Scientist 2 - $104,100 - $172,200
In addition to the responsibilities outlined for Scientist 1, candidates at the Scientist 2 level are expected to demonstrate more independence in research software development and deployment, and to make technical contributions across multiple projects. You will take a lead role in agile software engineering processes, building systems that compress and automate existing research workflows, and developing tools that enable researchers across the lab to apply AI systems more effectively in production environments.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, candidates at the Scientist 2 level must have:
Education/Experience at Scientist 1: 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.
Education/Experience at Scientist 2: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
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.
Please include a detailed cover letter with your application explaining how you meet each of the Minimum Job Requirements and any of the Desired Qualifications. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
This position requires onsite or hybrid work in one of two locations: Los Alamos, New Mexico or Ann Arbor, Michigan. Please state your preference in your cover letter.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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 opt. 3.
This position will be filled at the Scientist 1 or Scientist 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
We are hiring a team to pioneer trustworthy and reliable artificial intelligence (AI) methods that will revolutionize scientific discovery and national security. At Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the X Computational Physics Division's Artificial Intelligence for Nuclear Deterrence Group (XCP-AI4ND) develops, validates, and delivers machine learning systems that enhance the safety, reliability, and performance of the nation's nuclear deterrent. Specifically, the group builds AI tools for weapons physics to support the laboratory's mission of maintaining and modernizing the U.S. nuclear stockpile while exploring future deterrent options. These AI tools accelerate weapons design, engineering, production, certification, and assessment processes, while also strengthening the assessment and mitigation of global security threats. As an AI Research Engineer in XCP-AI4ND, you will lead workflow compression efforts by applying large language models and other AI techniques to streamline critical phases of the nuclear weapons lifecycle.
You will work closely with computational physicists and national security experts in the X Computational Physics (XCP) Division, leveraging some of the world's most advanced supercomputers and global expertise in multi-physics simulation. XCP staff span a wide range of computational physics modeling disciplines including numerical fluid and solid mechanics, materials science, radiation hydrodynamics, plasma physics, turbulence, magnetohydrodynamics, high explosives, nuclear physics and engineering, and neutral and charged particle transport. Other research efforts focus on optimizing physics algorithms for both homogeneous and heterogeneous high-performance computing platforms. Our scientists conduct applied physics and engineering research, implement models into production codes using strong software development practices, test and validate these methods, and assist users with adoption. At LANL, you will be part of a thriving, interdisciplinary research environment, working alongside leading scientists and engineers to tackle some of the world's hardest science and security challenges.
We are seeking talented software engineers and scientists to join our teams located in Los Alamos, New Mexico and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to choose their work location based on personal preference and project fit. Both locations offer unique opportunities for professional growth and impact. Please indicate your preferred work location in your cover letter when applying.
Scientist 1 $94,500 - $154,600
We are looking for a technically skilled and curious research engineer who is excited about using AI tools to automate the repetitive or manual parts of scientific computing and manufacturing processes. This includes applying LLMs and coding assistants to accelerate development, debugging, documentation, and system integration tasks. This role emphasizes pragmatic, high-impact applications of AI. At LANL, we tackle scientific and national security challenges that go beyond standard AI, requiring innovative solutions to work with unique data modalities, multi-physics simulations, and sparse or noisy datasets. Your work will be critical to integrating and transitioning novel ML models developed by colleagues into real-world mission workflows.
The ideal candidate will have strong software development skills, experience with modern DevOps or MLOps practices, and a willingness to contribute across the hardware-software stack. In this role, you will support interdisciplinary research projects by operationalizing machine learning workflows, integrating AI into larger scientific applications, and ensuring reproducibility and reliability of results. Strong Unix system administration expertise, DevOps engineering capabilities, or experience in backend/front-end application development are highly valued.
Scientist 2 - $104,100 - $172,200
In addition to the responsibilities outlined for Scientist 1, candidates at the Scientist 2 level are expected to demonstrate more independence in research software development and deployment, and to make technical contributions across multiple projects. You will take a lead role in agile software engineering processes, building systems that compress and automate existing research workflows, and developing tools that enable researchers across the lab to apply AI systems more effectively in production environments.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Software Engineering: Front-end or back-end development experience, including API design, UI/UX, or scientific application support. Strong coding skills in Python, Julia, C++, and Fortran are high desirable.
- AI Model Deployment: Experience deploying AI/ML models into operational or production environments, including use of high performance computing workflows or containerization in cloud deployments.
- AI Productivity Tools: Experience using AI coding assistants.
- System Administration: Proficiency working in Unix/Linux environments; experience managing user environments, packages, and cluster jobs or servers is highly valued.
- MLOps / DevOps: Familiarity with automated CI/CD pipelines, software versioning, model versioning, container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes), or workflow tools.
Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, candidates at the Scientist 2 level must have:
- Experience leading technical efforts in AI deployment, software development, or DevOps engineering, on production-scale projects.
- Ability to mentor junior engineers or team members on software engineering best practices.
- Demonstrated ownership of research or engineering deliverables within collaborative teams, including setting technical direction, managing collaborations, or securing research funding.
Education/Experience at Scientist 1: 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.
Education/Experience at Scientist 2: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience integrating AI models with scientific workflows or legacy HPC codes
- Knowledge of LLM APIs and orchestration frameworks such as OpenAI, Hugging Face, LangGraph or LangChain
- Familiarity with simulations for scientific or engineering projects, especially for simulation of physical systems
- Engagement in interdisciplinary projects related to national security or nuclear security
- Contributions to open-source or internally developed research software
- Proficiency running AI models in HPC environments or on GPU-based systems
- Familiarity with applying AI tools (e.g., LLMs, coding assistants, automation frameworks) to streamline scientific or engineering workflows
- Active Q or TS/SCI security clearance
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.
Please include a detailed cover letter with your application explaining how you meet each of the Minimum Job Requirements and any of the Desired Qualifications. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
This position requires onsite or hybrid work in one of two locations: Los Alamos, New Mexico or Ann Arbor, Michigan. Please state your preference in your cover letter.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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 opt. 3.
