Metallographer/Fractographer - Staff Scientist (Livermore)

Mid-Senior Level | Full-time Physical Life Sciences | Livermore, CA | 04/20/2026Reference #: REF8233YJob Code: SES.3 Science & Engineering MTS 3 / SES.4 Science & Engineering MTS 4Organization: Physical and Life SciencesPosition Type: Flexible TermSecurity Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)Medical Exam: Not applicable
Company DescriptionJoin 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 DescriptionWe have an opening for an experienced Materials Scientist with experience in metallography and/or fractography. The successful candidate will perform a range of moderate to complex work in sample preparation, microscopy, materials characterization, and failure analysis in support of multiple LLNL programs and principal investigators. Work includes characterizing a wide variety of materials and may involve hazardous materials, including radioactive materials, beryllium, and lead. The role supports timely delivery of high-quality results, clear documentation, and strong customer engagement within a collaborative R&D environment. This position is in Materials Characterization Group within the Materials Science Division (MSD).You will:Perform moderately complex to complex metallography, fractography, and materials characterization, including sample sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing, macro- and micro-hardness testing, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (WDS) as neededIndependently develop methods for preparing and analyzing one-of-a-kind samples, including hazardous and radioactive materials.Conduct failure analysis activities, coordinate inputs from other characterization capabilities (as applicable), and communicate results to customers.Maintain sample traceability from receipt through archiving, and prepare well-written data sheets, summaries, and reports.Contribute to development and operation of sample preparation and characterization capabilities, including performing measurements and troubleshooting equipment, maintaining instruments and coordinating with vendors as needed, writing safety documentation and supporting safe work practices, and supporting equipment upgrades and process improvementsContribute to tools and techniques that support high-throughput workflows in characterization laboratories.Provide day-to-day technical interaction and support, including training and guidance for users and staff in specialized techniques.Lead advanced development of sample preparation techniques using state-of-the-art automated equipment.Serve as primary technical contact for specific projects and customers.Assist LLNL staff in planning and coordinating sample preparation and characterization activities across laboratories within MSD.Perform other duties as assigned.In addition, at the SES.4 level: Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in materials science and metallography, applying advanced technical expertise developed through extensive experience metallurgy to support complex analyses and problem-solving.Lead the development and optimization of advanced sample preparation techniques using state-of-the-art automated equipment.Create and deliver advanced training, technical guidance, and documentation for users and staff in specialized metallurgical methods and best practices.QualificationsAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.Bachelors in materials science, materials engineering, engineering technology, engineering science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.Significant metallurgical lab experience or related functions, (e.g.- metallography experience in aerospace, defense, or medical implant industry)Demonstrated broad understanding of materials science and sample preparation concepts, including polishing techniques, optical microscopy, hardness testing, and grain size measurements.Broad experience preparing metallographic specimens, including working with chemicals and etchants (chemical and/or electro-etching).Experience with optical microscopy techniques.Experience using computers to collect, analyze, and document scientific results, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.Expert verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with scientists, engineers, and other staff in a collaborative R&D environment.Significant experience in materials characterization, including theoretical understanding of methods and tool limitations.Demonstrated advanced knowledge of materials science concepts such as phase transformations, dislocations, alloying, crystal structure, and grain boundaries.Training fellow staff members in advanced metallography skills and concepts.In addition, at the SES.4 levelExperience with hardness testing beyond microhardness (for example Rockwell), tensile testing, weld/braze analysis, thermal spray analysis, heat treating.Experience with instrument maintenance and designing/fabricating simple fixtures.Significant experience operating and applying SEM techniques, including hands-on SEM operations.Demonstrated knowledge of quality control practices and day-to-day operations in a certified laboratory, including familiarity with applicable laboratory standards (for example, ISO/IEC 17025).Significant experience with additional preparation and characterization tools such as: X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), focused ion beam (FIB) (as applicable), electropolishing, ion milling, vacuum coating, and white-light interferometry, density measurementsPay Range$175,530 - $267,060 Annually$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 job level$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 job levelThis 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 InformationAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.Position InformationThis is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!Flexible Benefits Package401(k)Relocation AssistanceEducation Reimbursement ProgramFlexible schedules (*depending on project needs)Our values - visit Security ClearanceThis position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. Pre-Employment Drug TestExternal 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 DevicesPer the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices. If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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.How to identify fake job advertisementsPlease be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.To learn more about recruitment scams: Equal Employment OpportunityWe are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and