Principal Investigator / Thermomechanical Effects Testing and Analysis - Security Clearance Required

Overview

Arcfield is a leading provider of full lifecycle, mission-focused systems engineering and integration capabilities to the U.

S. government and its allies. The company has more than 60 years of proven experience providing advanced engineering and analysis, IT and C5ISR capabilities to support our nation’s most critical national security missions.

Headquartered in Chantilly, VA and with 16 offices around the world, Arcfield employs approximately 1,200 engineers, analysts, IT specialists, and other professionals who put our customers’ missions first, helping them solve their most complex challenges through innovations in modeling, simulation and analysis, digital transformation and C5ISR.

Visit arcfield.com for more details.

Responsibilities

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))

Job Responsibilities :

Develop detailed test objectives from program requirements.

• Assist in 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

A BS degree in Physics or Engineering and 10+ years of related experience; an MS degree and 8+ years of related experience;

or a PhD and 5+ years of related experience. An advanced degree is preferred and will be given preference.

• Experience with solid mechanics or continuum mechanics
• Experience with developing or performing experiments in physics, engineering, or related field
• Ability 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
• Experience with fielding shock physics experiments
• Experience with determining experiment objectives from program requirements
• Experience with pulsed-power facilities (e.g., PITHON, GAMBLE, Z)
• Experience with laser matter interaction testing and / or analysis
• Experience with hydrocode / shock physics theory, simulations, and software
• Experience in radiation transport simulations and software
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, Fortran, or C++
• Demonstrated ability to meet milestones and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to prepare technical reports and presentations that effectively communicate methods and results
• Strong oral and written communication skills - particularly with respect to technical reports and presentations

Equal Pay Act

This is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary / hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories.

In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield ’s benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.

Min : $112,448.60 Max : $270,212.30

EEO Statement

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.