Responsibilities:
**This position is for upcoming work and is contingent upon task award/funding.
** This will be an onsite position in Albuquerque, NM.a
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Geoscientist (Geophysicist) to support critical modeling and simulation efforts in support of conventional weapons effects and weapons penetration programs. In this role, you will apply advanced geophysical and geomechanical expertise to characterize subsurface environments, develop high-fidelity physics-based models, and inform weapons system performance assessments. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in a dynamic, mission-driven environment supporting national defense objectives. This position is located at our Albuquerque, NM facility and requires direct engagement with government customers and technical counterparts.
Key Responsibilities
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Develop, validate, and execute geology characterization and penetration models to support conventional weapons effects assessments and penetration testing programs
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Conduct multiphysics modeling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses to simulate weapon-soil/rock interactions across diverse geologic environments
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Analyze and predict ground shock propagation, energy coupling, and attenuation through varied subsurface media to support lethality and effectiveness evaluations
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Perform subsurface characterization studies utilizing geophysical data, borehole records, and geomechanical testing results to establish representative site models
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Contribute to the development and refinement of conventional weapons effects models, ensuring technical accuracy and alignment with current empirical data and testing results
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Support weapons penetration testing initiatives by providing geophysical analysis, site characterization deliverables, and post-test data interpretation
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Author and review technical reports, white papers, and briefings for government sponsors, program managers, and peer technical reviewers
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Geophysics, Geology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related technical discipline; Master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred
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10+ years of relevant professional experience in geophysical modeling, subsurface characterization, or applied geomechanics within a defense, national laboratory, or research environment
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Demonstrated expertise in ground shock modeling, energy coupling analysis, and the behavior of geologic materials under dynamic loading conditions
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Hands-on experience with multiphysics simulation tools (e.g., ABAQUS, LS-DYNA, AUTODYN, CTH, or equivalent hydrocode/finite element platforms)
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Proficiency in subsurface characterization methodologies, including interpretation of seismic, geologic, and geomechanical data sets
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US Citizen with an Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance (required at time of application)
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Strong technical communication skills with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports and briefings for government and senior leadership audiences
Desired Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Geophysics, Applied Mechanics, or related discipline with a focus on computational or experimental geomechanics
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Prior experience working within a DoW, DOE National Laboratory, or defense contractor environment supporting weapons effects, terminal ballistics, or underground facility defeat programs
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Familiarity with DTRA, AFRL, or Army ERDC technical standards and modeling frameworks for weapons effects and penetration analysis
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Experience with geophysical field data acquisition, including seismic surveys, borehole logging, or in-situ stress measurements
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Knowledge of classified weapons effects databases and associated penetration prediction tools (e.g., PENCRV3D, SAMPLL, or equivalent)
Overview:
Overview
Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers’ most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.
We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org
Why Work at Noblis
At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission‑driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.
Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well‑being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug‑free workplace.
Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.
EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work
Total Rewards:
At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.
Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package.
Posted Salary Range: USD $144,720.00 - USD $226,195.00 /Yr.
