Physics World
Computational Scientist – MFEM Team
Location:
Livermore, CA
Job Description We have an opening for a
Computational Scientist
to perform advanced research and development of finite element (FEM) meshing, discretization and solver algorithms, including automatic differentiation (AD) for differentiable simulations, in support of high-performance computing (HPC) applications based on the MFEM finite element library. The role will develop novel algorithms that impact a wide range of large-scale applications in the DOE based on PDEs, running on large GPU systems like LLNL’s El Capitan. This position is part of the MFEM team in the Numerical Analysis & Simulations Group of the Center for Applied Scientific Computing (CASC) Division within LLNL’s Computing Directorate.
Essential Duties
Develop new numerical algorithms for PDEs to support efficient and scalable finite element simulation capabilities for a diverse user community.
Implement and test the new methods in the MFEM finite element library, targeting flexible user interface, parallel scalability, and GPU efficiency.
Collaborate with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally as a technical expert on a multi-disciplinary team.
Serve as the primary technical contact on specific projects, providing guidance and support to users of the simulation tools developed.
Provide solutions to complex problems requiring in-depth analysis and creative use of established methods; prioritize many complex parallel tasks.
Direct troubleshooting activities, coordinating with other team members and technical staff across multiple organizations to identify root causes.
Represent CASC in advanced computing with vendors, customers, and academia.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or equivalent education and experience.
Significant experience with finite element discretizations, including high-order methods, matrix-free discretizations and solvers, and high-order mesh adaptivity.
Significant experience programming in C/C++ in a Linux environment using MPI parallelism and GPU acceleration with CUDA or HIP.
Ability to work independently while effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
Ability to lead proposals or research areas while managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
Expert analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
Expert verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and presentation to senior management and external sponsors.
Desired Qualifications
Significant familiarity with the MFEM library and some of its applications.
Experience applying numerical methods within a complex scientific application.
Knowledge of automatic differentiation techniques and tools such as Enzyme.
Experience with ALE radiation-hydrodynamics algorithms or similar physics.
Pay Range $202,500 - $256,824 Yearly at the SES.4 level. The salary reflects the position’s level; exact pay based on competencies and experience.
Benefits
Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
Flexible Benefits Package
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Education Reimbursement Program
Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)
Our values – visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Additional Information This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Security Clearance None required. However, if assignment exceeds 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, the Personal Identity Verification process applies.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 3112 of the 2025 NDAA prohibits access for certain nationals; candidates must meet eligibility to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.
Pre-Employment Drug Test External applicant(s) selected must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test, including marijuana as per Federal Law.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a discrimination-free workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.
Reasonable Accommodation Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Livermore, CA
Job Description We have an opening for a
Computational Scientist
to perform advanced research and development of finite element (FEM) meshing, discretization and solver algorithms, including automatic differentiation (AD) for differentiable simulations, in support of high-performance computing (HPC) applications based on the MFEM finite element library. The role will develop novel algorithms that impact a wide range of large-scale applications in the DOE based on PDEs, running on large GPU systems like LLNL’s El Capitan. This position is part of the MFEM team in the Numerical Analysis & Simulations Group of the Center for Applied Scientific Computing (CASC) Division within LLNL’s Computing Directorate.
Essential Duties
Develop new numerical algorithms for PDEs to support efficient and scalable finite element simulation capabilities for a diverse user community.
Implement and test the new methods in the MFEM finite element library, targeting flexible user interface, parallel scalability, and GPU efficiency.
Collaborate with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally as a technical expert on a multi-disciplinary team.
Serve as the primary technical contact on specific projects, providing guidance and support to users of the simulation tools developed.
Provide solutions to complex problems requiring in-depth analysis and creative use of established methods; prioritize many complex parallel tasks.
Direct troubleshooting activities, coordinating with other team members and technical staff across multiple organizations to identify root causes.
Represent CASC in advanced computing with vendors, customers, and academia.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or equivalent education and experience.
Significant experience with finite element discretizations, including high-order methods, matrix-free discretizations and solvers, and high-order mesh adaptivity.
Significant experience programming in C/C++ in a Linux environment using MPI parallelism and GPU acceleration with CUDA or HIP.
Ability to work independently while effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
Ability to lead proposals or research areas while managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
Expert analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
Expert verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and presentation to senior management and external sponsors.
Desired Qualifications
Significant familiarity with the MFEM library and some of its applications.
Experience applying numerical methods within a complex scientific application.
Knowledge of automatic differentiation techniques and tools such as Enzyme.
Experience with ALE radiation-hydrodynamics algorithms or similar physics.
Pay Range $202,500 - $256,824 Yearly at the SES.4 level. The salary reflects the position’s level; exact pay based on competencies and experience.
Benefits
Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
Flexible Benefits Package
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Education Reimbursement Program
Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)
Our values – visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Additional Information This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Security Clearance None required. However, if assignment exceeds 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, the Personal Identity Verification process applies.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 3112 of the 2025 NDAA prohibits access for certain nationals; candidates must meet eligibility to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.
Pre-Employment Drug Test External applicant(s) selected must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test, including marijuana as per Federal Law.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a discrimination-free workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.
Reasonable Accommodation Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr