Support nuclear weapons effects simulations, specifically in the areas of radiation hydrodynamics and shock-hydrodynamics and all associated physics with the development of modeling and simulation tools. Develop new simulated sensors to duplicate the response of fielded systems. Develop analysis and visualization capabilities to turn the simulation results into knowledge.
This posting is for multiple levels of physicist and is pending funding.
Primary Responsibilities:
Learn the details of nuclear device explosion modeling and simulation with emphasis on radiation hydrodynamics and shock hydrodynamics including the radiation opacity, electron transport, and associated physical processes that govern the expansion of the initial fireball and the entrainment of ambient air and the processes involved in underwater bursts.
Locations: Candidates may be located in San Diego, CA, Springfield, VA, or Albuquerque, NM. Some telework will be considered, but must be willing and able to work in the office alongside more senior staff on a regular basis.
Basic Qualifications:
PhD in Physics, preferably shock physics, plasma physics, or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with 0– 10 years experience.
Experience with radiation transport and/or CFD codes.
Experience with high performance computing.
Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance; candidates with a Top Secret clearance are preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
The more experience, the better the candidate. Experience can be in any high performance computing simulation field, but physical and/or sensor simulation preferred.
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March 18, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
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