Software Developer - Early Career

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

The Conflict Simulation Laboratory (CSL) of the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD) within the Computing Directorate has an opening for a Software Developer specializing in the analysis, design, development, and implementation of scientific software for the CSL. The CSL develops and deploys the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS) and JCATS Low Overhead Driver (JLOD) simulation suites to users around the world. The CSL also works closely with external partners to enable JCATS and JLOD to interoperate with other simulation models and tools in a federated environment to support more advanced training.

JCATS and JLOD are tactical simulations that model soldiers, tanks, and other military platforms maneuvering in a 3D environment. Line of sight, projectile paths, collision detection, and many other algorithms calculate real time results for military trainers and analysts. You will analyze, design, and implement new functionality using object-oriented programming (primarily C++) and classic computer science algorithms, while balancing performance tradeoffs. CSL simulation products are used for training and analysis by 30 countries, the Departments of Energy and War, and other government agencies. Their applications include military operations, peacekeeping, drug interdiction, homeland defense, site security, and civil defense preparation. You will interact with team members, project management, sponsors, and users. The position will report to the E/CSL Associate Program Leader.

This position 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.

This position requires full time onsite presence.

In this role, you will

• Contribute to the development of object-oriented software packages using C++ programming language in a Linux environment.
• Participate in all phases of object-oriented product development including analysis, design and implementation, with direct interactions with sponsors and other modeling agencies.
• Create clear documentation for users on new and existing products and processes and ensure all materials are regularly updated to reflect enhancements, bug fixes, and workflow changes.
• Provide occasional direct technical support to customers and collaborate with JCATS exercise operations support personnel.
• May contribute to field development and integration with outside models.
• Occasional foreign and/or domestic travel, based on project and customer needs.
• Contribute to and support production releases of desktop applications used by customers worldwide.
• Engage other developers frequently to share relevant knowledge, opinions, and recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Provide remote and on-sitetechnical support for various customers.
• Collaborate with CSL staff and external customers to identify and develop simulation software requirements.
• May provide guidance for one or more simulation model functional areas, with responsibility for vetting requirements, contributing to design development and reviews, implementing software, preparing documentation, and performing testing verification, under limited direction.
• Provide solutions to moderately complex problems involving largely identifiable factors.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or technical related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of and experience with C++, Python, and/or modern web development technologies.
• Knowledge in object-oriented analysis, design and implementation.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience in developing applications in a Linux/UNIX environment.
• Ability to work in a highly interactive software development team.
• Effective interpersonal skills necessary to interact with all levels of personnel with the ability to work independently in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, as needed.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Ability to work effectively with minimal guidance.
• Experience providing innovative approaches and applying new technologies to broadly defined tasks and projects.
• Broad experience applying effective analytical and problem-solving skills to moderately complex problems.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degreein Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics.
• Knowledge and experience with event-based software simulations.
• Experience developing complex, client/server software suites.
• Experience developing object-oriented GUIs, including the use of OpenGL.
• Knowledge of plane and solid geometry and vector analysis.
• Knowledge of military operations.

Pay Range

$121,830 -$185,544Annually

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level

$146,340 - $185,544Annually for the SES.2 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams:https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

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