Materials Scientist

Company Description Join us and make YOUR mark on the World! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact. Job Description We have an opening for a Materials Scientist/Engineer to lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes, data infrastructure, and inspection technologies that accelerate R&D workflows and support programmatic objectives. You will work at the intersection of materials science, process engineering, data systems, and experimental validation, providing technical leadership on complex, high-visibility efforts that span multiple organizations and stakeholder groups. You will direct technical strategy for advanced manufacturing initiatives, coordinate multi-site collaborations, and serve as a primary technical contact for projects that support Laboratory mission focus areas and sponsor priorities. This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate. Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. You will Lead the technical execution and strategic direction of advanced manufacturing process development, inspection technology maturation, and data infrastructure initiatives that support multiple programs and organizational objectives. Develop and implement innovative technical approaches that integrate experimental processes, inspection systems, and data management platforms to solve highly complex problems with long-term strategic impact. Direct technical tasks and influence the technical direction of self and others, exercising independent judgment to determine optimal methods, techniques, and implementation approaches. Coordinate complex technical efforts and lead working groups across LLNL, partner sites, sponsors, and external collaborators. Resolve conflicting requirements and prioritize work in support of programmatic milestones and long-term objectives. Serve as the primary technical contact and subject matter expert for advanced manufacturing capabilities, inspection workflows, and data systems. Provide strategic technical advice to multidisciplinary teams and recommendations for equipment and capability upgrades. Architect and deploy data management tools and software platforms that improve traceability, enable rapid analysis, and support programmatic decision-making across manufacturing operations. Represent LLNL capabilities and technical outcomes to management, sponsors, and stakeholders through presentations, technical briefings, publications, and proposal development activities. Mentor early-career personnel in process engineering, experimental methods, data systems, and technical integration, helping to develop team capabilities and promote knowledge sharing. Apply advanced characterization techniques and materials analysis through experimentation, collaboration with technical experts, and integration of scientific literature and experimental methods. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or an active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire. A master's degree in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience. Significant experience leading or contributing to advanced materials processing projects, with the ability to work independently and apply creative and innovative approaches. Subject matter expertise in one or more of the following areas: advanced manufacturing processes, polymer additive manufacturing, process engineering, materials characterization, inspection technologies, or experimental validation methods. Experience directing technical strategy and developing solutions to highly complex problems requiring in-depth analysis of multiple tangible and intangible factors. Ability to coordinate complex technical efforts with multidisciplinary teams across organizational boundaries and serve as the primary technical contact when representing approaches and outcomes to management and stakeholders. Advanced knowledge of and experience integrating data systems, software tools, or digital workflows to support experimental or manufacturing environments. Advanced communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively present information and provide advice to management, as well as experience mentoring technical personnel. Qualifications We Desire PhD in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Expert-level experience with polymer additive manufacturing processes, including direct ink writing (DIW) or related material extrusion techniques. Experience developing and implementing on-machine inspection systems, computer vision applications, or in situ process-monitoring technologies for manufacturing environments. Experience architecting or implementing digital thread capabilities, data management infrastructure, or metadata systems for experimental or production workflows. Experience with programming and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or related technologies for data analysis, automation, or system integration. Track record of leading multisite technical collaborations involving multiple organizations, sponsors, and external research partners. Experience developing concepts, proposals, and technical briefings for internal and external sponsors, including NNSA or DOE program offices. A publication record in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at technical conferences in relevant fields. Pay Range $210,630 - $267,060 Annually This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. Additional Information #LI-Hybrid Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor! FlexibleBenefits Package 401(k) Relocation Assistance Education Reimbursement Program Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs) Our values - visit Security Clearance This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire. Pre-Employment Drug Test External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor. Wireless and Medical Devices Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices. Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings. Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Reasonable Accommodation Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. CaliforniaPrivacy Notice The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob 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