Explosives Research Specialist

2 weeks ago

Livermore, California, United States Northwind Group Full time

Position Title:
Explosives Research Specialist

THIS POSITION IS SHORT TERM, MAX 1000 HOURS IN A CALENDAR YEAR


Northwind Group is actively seeking professionals who can enhance national security through their expertise in science, technology, and engineering as part of our supplemental workforce at essential federal research and development facilities supporting the Department of Energy.

Northwind Group has a proven track record of contributing to the success of our clients' missions. Available roles may vary from administrative and logistical support to advanced technical positions.


Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and able to fulfill pre-employment requirements, including any necessary physicals, drug screenings, and/or background checks to meet clearance standards from the Department of Energy.


The selected individual will be employed by Northwind Group, a leading government contractor dedicated to hiring highly motivated and well-qualified personnel who can further the mission of critical national laboratories.

Although employed by Northwind Group, the individual will receive daily guidance from technical staff employed directly by the research facility. Compensation, benefits, and Human Resource functions are managed by Northwind Group.


The Physical and Life Sciences Directorate has an opening in the Explosives Performance Research and Technologies Group for an Explosives Research Experimental Lead.

Under minimal supervision, the chosen candidate will safely conduct experiments. The successful applicant must grasp complex technical details regarding explosive reactions.

The successful candidate will construct small-scale high explosive shots, lead firing operations, and perform experimental setup, takedown, and troubleshooting as necessary.

The selected individual will also train and mentor new staff in conducting experiments. These experiments support various projects and programs.

This role may require the employee to have the flexibility to work overtime, shifts, and/or weekends to achieve objectives. The selected candidate will be required to complete various on-site training modules to pursue work assignments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Successfully lead experiments and mentor new employees in conducting experiments.
  • Coordinate and assist in small-scale detonation experiments.
  • Manage the shipping and receiving of explosives between designated sites.
  • Construct small-scale high explosive shots.
  • Execute experimental setup, takedown, and troubleshooting as required, and arm and fire experiments using explosive materials.
  • Oversee the preparation of safety review and preshot documentation for each shot campaign executed.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data, document and report findings, identify issues, plan projects to resolve problems, and communicate lessons learned.
  • Contribute innovative scientific/engineering solutions to the design of explosively driven experiments, applying knowledge and skills.
  • Collaborate with engineers and physicists to develop and integrate new capabilities.
  • Perform all tasks in accordance with safety, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
  • Undertake other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
  • Extensive experience as an Explosives Handler with a background in physics, detonation science, engineering, mechanical, aerospace, or nuclear engineering or a related field.
  • Capable of providing guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams in a dynamic environment.
  • Knowledge of safety protocols for handling explosives, detonation tank mitigation practices, high-speed diagnostics acquisition, and experimental assembly techniques.
  • Technical knowledge regarding high-speed data acquisition of explosive events.
  • Experience in mentoring new and mid-career employees.
  • Demonstrated ability to gather data necessary to write technical reports and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience performing hands-on experimental science, working with explosives and/or other energetic materials, and using computer-aided design tools and standard office software.
  • Familiarity with the national laboratory weapons program, explosive experimentation, and optics, electro-optics, and radiographic technologies.
  • Experience working on a research team with individuals from diverse technical backgrounds, as well as functioning as an independent researcher, working under limited direction, with a high level of attention to detail.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

  • Experience mentoring early to mid-career employees.
  • Knowledge of the national laboratory weapons program and explosive supply chain limitations.
  • Experience mentoring and collaborating in a multidisciplinary team and with a wide range of materials.

Special Requirements

Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

Pre-employment drug test: External applicants selected for this position will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.

Anticipated Clearance Level:
Q (position will be cleared to this level).

Applicants selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or materials.

Additionally, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.


Northwind Group offers a competitive pay and benefits package, including health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave, and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees.

As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance.

We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people. For more information about our benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the Northwind Group Career Opportunities Page.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline for assistance.

Northwind Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.

Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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