Reflections on Keith Matzen’s journey

After 51 years of dedicated service to the Labs, Sandia Fellow Keith Matzen, will retire on March 17, 2026. Over the past five decades, Keith has become a nationally recognized scientist and leader, instrumental in shaping the future of pulsed power capabilities, high-energy density science, and inertial confinement fusion, as well as shaping strategic planning for Sandia and the NNSA.

Foundations of excellence

Keith, born and raised in Nebraska, earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and chemistry from Hastings College and completed his doctorate in theoretical physical chemistry from Iowa State University. After a year as an instructor there, he joined Sandia in July 1974.

After interviewing for both pulsed power and laser science groups at Sandia, Keith accepted a position in the laser science group to develop efficient lasers for lab-based fusion, now known as stockpile stewardship. Although he enjoyed his time in the laser group, Keith said, “It was becoming clear that Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory was going to dominate the path to laser fusion.”

In 1980, he transferred to the Pulsed Power Sciences Center, where he has held various leadership roles, overseeing projects that developed Z-pinch implosion sources, established experimental capabilities at the Saturn facility and transformed the Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator II into the Z facility.

Keith became director of the Pulsed Power Sciences Center in January 2005, where he directed the successful completion of the Z refurbishment project, advancements in radiation effects and dynamic material property research, growth of research in high-energy density science and fundamental astrophysics, and the expansion of the pulsed power inertial confinement fusion program into magnetic direct-drive concepts. This research has been crucial for validating models used in nuclear weapon stockpile design and for studying fundamental scientific questions.

Vision for the future

Looking ahead, Keith envisions the continued evolution of the Z facility, emphasizing the importance of sustaining and advancing its pulsed power architecture to explore new physics related to nuclear weapons and fundamental science.

“Since converting PBFA II to the Z Facility 30 years ago, Z has evolved significantly, notably with the 2007 Z Refurbishment Project. Today, 90% of Z’s experiments were not envisioned three decades ago, and this evolution will continue as the team develops the fundamental pulsed power architecture and explores new ways to study high-energy density and inertial confinement fusion physics. I believe pulsed power provides the most promising path to achieving high-yield fusion in the laboratory, allowing for more effective study of nuclear weapon physics and qualification issues than underground testing.”

Keith’s accomplishments have been recognized with multiple Sandia, Lockheed-Martin and professional society awards. He has co-authored nearly 80 publications in refereed journals.

Guiding the next generation

In his time as a center director and as a fellow, Keith has continued Sandia’s mentoring tradition. One memorable moment was realizing that four of the six directors in Division 1000 had worked for him in the Pulsed Power Sciences Center. He is very proud of all the accomplishments these individuals have achieved.

Keith offered advice for early-career scientists entering the field. “Develop strong relationships. The research and work that we do require large teams, and developing and maintaining good relationships pays off in multiple ways, at work and in life,” he said.

Doug Kothe, associate Labs director for Advanced Science and Technology and chief research officer, said, “When I first started, Keith approached me, recognizing that I could use some guidance and mentorship. And boy, did I need it … He displays the behaviors and values of what every Sandian should strive for: selflessness, deep care for the institution and its mission, genuine concern for what lies ahead, and, most importantly, a deep love for all Sandians.”

In a final note to the Labs, Keith said, “My hope is that the work of my team to create the Z facility and other pulsed power capabilities leaves behind a foundation and tools on which the next generation can build.”

New adventures await

When asked about retirement plans, Keith said, “Explore this new adventure. Every time I started a new job at Sandia, I found that it took a year to understand the new role and then a couple more years to really make a difference. I plan to approach retirement in the same way. The focus areas are clear: family, friends, community, personal, professional. I’m hoping that many friends and colleagues will want to get together to chat over a breakfast burrito or lunch as I start this new journey.”

At one point, Keith competed in bicycling but paused due to job and family commitments. He now looks forward to “a leisurely bike ride in the mountains when the morning temperature is perfect and there is no wind.”

The power of connection and a fond farewell

Reflecting on his 51 years at Sandia, Keith emphasizes the importance of having the right people in the right jobs. “Relationships are critical: trust and respect. Find people to work with who are more skilled than you and dedicated to the task at hand. Have fun.”

Although stepping away from his role at Sandia, Keith leaves a remarkable legacy for future generations. “We are fortunate to have benefited from Keith’s dedication, commitment, expertise and love for Sandia,” Doug said.