Materials Scientist - Staff 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 openings for materials scientists. You will perform a full range of complex research in the area of metallography, sample preparation, microscopy, and materials characterization for a wide variety of projects at LLNL. This position is in the Materials Characterization Group in the Materials Science Division. 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 Conduct and lead complex work across metallography and materials characterization capabilities, including sample preparation, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, including electron backscatter diffraction, for a broad range of research and programmatic applications. Develop and implement strategic improvements to metallography, sample preparation, and materials characterization capabilities, including operational methods, instrumentation reliability, safety basis documentation, and equipment upgrades, to meet evolving programmatic and customer needs. Independently develop and direct execution of advanced methods for preparing and analyzing unique and one-of-a-kind samples, including hazardous, beryllium, and radioactive materials, where technical requirements are frequently not well defined. Develop innovative methods, tools, and techniques that increase throughput, improve quality, and expand technical capability in materials characterization laboratories. Lead the development of highly advanced sample preparation techniques using state-of-the-art automated equipment and influence broader technical direction in this area. Design, implement, and improve advanced systems and tools for sample and data tracking that enhance operational efficiency, traceability, and quality of laboratory deliverables. Serve as the primary technical contact for assigned projects and programs, providing expert guidance to internal customers, collaborators, and sponsors on advanced materials characterization needs. Prepare and deliver written analyses, technical briefings, and other products that communicate results, technical recommendations, and capability impacts to management, sponsors, and customers. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications 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 the time of hire. PhD in materials science, materials engineering, engineering technology, engineering science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, or physics; or equivalent combination of education and related experience. Expert knowledge of materials science principles and metallographic sample preparation and characterization methods, including sample polishing techniques, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and grain size measurements. Substantial experience with specimen preparation for conventional, hazardous, and technically challenging materials specimens, including working with chemicals. Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate scientists, engineers, and technical staff on complex program-funded projects and set technical direction for successful execution. Substantial experience with optical microscopy techniques. Substantial experience using computerized laboratory and analytical systems to acquire, analyze, track, and communicate scientific data and results.. Expert-level experience in advanced electron microscopy techniques and materials characterization, including deep understanding of method capabilities, limitations, and appropriate technical application. Subject matter expert in advanced materials science concepts, including phase transformations, dislocations, alloying, crystal structure, and grain boundaries. Provide solutions to complex problems that require in-depth analysis of multiple tangible and intangible factors and the creative use of established and/or innovative methods. Ability to develop innovative methods/technology and contribute to advancement of knowledge. Ability to direct technical tasks and projects while setting broad project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for self and others. Ability to work independently, as well as both a member and leader of a team. Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to present, explain, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors. Qualifications We Desire Experience with scanning electron microscopy techniques, including expertise in operating an SEM or a microprobe. Experience in other materials preparation and characterization tools, such as x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microcopy, hardness testing, electropolishing, ion milling, vacuum coating, white-light interferometry, and density measurements. Experience with instrument maintenance and design and fabrication of simple fixtures. 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 Position Information This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates. Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor! Flexible Benefits 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 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 advertisements Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. 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Organization: Physical and Life Sciences Category: Physical Life Sciences Employee Referral Bonus: Not applicable Job Code 1: SES.4 Science & Engineering MTS 4 Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana) Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicable Position Type: Career Indefinite Security Clearance: Active DOE Q clearance (or active Top Secret clearance)