Dynamic Material Response Experiment Lead

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Group Overview:

Our group performs system hardening technology research and development. We specialize in modeling the shock response of materials and structures to impulsive and thermal loadings. This involves application of hydrocodes (e.g., WONDY and ALE3D) and finite element codes (e.g., ABAQUS) to impact and radiation driven problems. Radiation transport codes such as MCNP and ITS are used to calculate thermal loadings. Modeling results are compared to experimental results from a variety of test facilities including:

• Light gas gun impact facility (Arcfield)
• Laser and pulsed-power driven Plasma Radiation Sources (PRS)
  (e.g. LLNL National Ignition Facility and Sandia Z Machine)
• Laser ablation driven shock facilities (e.g., LLNL NIF Direct Laser Impulse)
• Pulse power driven electron and proton beams (e.g., DTRA PITHON and NRL GAMBLE II) and
• Explosive loading facilities (e.g., Sandia Light Initiated High Explosives (LIHE))

Responsibilities:

• Plan, design, coordinate and assist in the execution of dynamic material response experiments.
• Determine technical objectives for experiments from program requirements.
• Guide development of testing approaches to meet objectives.
• Supervise the development, modification, and execution of detailed test plans.
• Assist in the development of new instrumentation and post-processing methodologies, including quantification of uncertainties.
• Perform scoping calculations using hydrocodes, radiation transport codes, or other tools to support test development.
• Perform "sanity-checking" calculations of test data to evaluate data quality.
• Develop proposals for obtaining access to NIF and other test facilities.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that effectively communicate methods and results
• Defend results at customer and peer review meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• A BS degree in Physics or Engineering and 8 - 10 years of related experience; an MS degree and 6 - 8 years of related experience; or a PhD and 3 - 5 years of related experience. An advanced degree is preferred and will be given preference.
• Experience with designing and performing physics/engineering experiments
• Experience with solid mechanics or continuum mechanics
• Experience with at least one of the following:
• Designing and/or fielding shock physics experiments
• Pulsed-power facilities (e.g., PITHON, GAMBLE, Z)
• Laser matter interaction testing and/or analysis
• Hydrocode / shock physics theory, simulations, and software
• Radiation transport simulations and software
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, Fortran, or C++
• Must BE ABLE TO OBTAIN and maintain a Top Secret clearance

Desired Qualifications:

• A PhD in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Applied Physics, or related field
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Meet milestones and deadlines
• Work independently as well as part of a team
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that effectively communicate methods and results
• Strong attention to detail

EEO

Arcfield proactively fulfills its role as an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, status as a Disabled Veteran, Recently Separated Veteran, Active-Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veteran, Armed Forces Services Medal, or any other characteristic protected by law.