Material Scientist

Leidos is seeking a Material Scientist to join our team in Albany, OR to work with a distributed, multidisciplinary team on development of steels and advanced novel alloys. The candidate should possess knowledge of and practical experience with conducting research on alloy development. The position will be 100% onsite research and development support for the NETL R&D facility in Albany, OR. This work will involve a multi-disciplinary, scientific, and technically-oriented national laboratory team, participation alongside other data scientists, engineers, geologists, and computer scientists that produces technological solutions for America’s energy challenges. What this opportunity with Leidos supporting NETL uniquely provides you: Working on applied, cutting-edge projects with global impact while being mentored by the nation’s leading energy scientists and engineers. Real-world experience supplemented with technical development and discussions that provide unique insight into the broad range of mission critical engineering and scientific disciplines NETL leverages to support national energy research and policy development. Unique access to world-class, customized facilities specific to high impact energy research, technology generation, and patent development. Participation in novel fundamental and applied alloy development with direct economic impact on national and global energy infrastructure.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Characterize microstructures using advanced techniques (SEM, XRD, EBSD, TEM).
• Perform mechanical testing and phase stability studies of new alloy concepts.
• Write technical reports outlining results of lab testing.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related engineering or scientific discipline.
• Candidates currently completing their Ph.D. may be considered, provided the degree is officially conferred prior to their start date.
• Experience characterizing microstructures of structural materials using advanced techniques (SEM, EDS, XRD, EBSD, TEM).
• Ability to produce technical reports, journal articles, prepare and present at professional conferences.
• Understand processing-microstructure-property relationships in nickel and iron-based alloys.
• Knowledge of mechanical properties and testing of steels and nickel-based alloys.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision, and ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with a variety of expertise.
• Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in alloy design and development with emphasis on steels and/or nickel-based superalloys.
• Experience with weld metallurgy.
• Experience with characterization of structural materials (microstructure, grain structure, phase identification, deformation).
• Experience with data analysis relating processing-microstructure-property relationships for structural materials.
• Excellent record of peer-reviewed quality publications with emphasis on microstructure characterization in nickel and iron alloys.

Salary Range for this position: $95K to $105K

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At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting: October 14, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range: Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit

Pay and Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave
• Retirement

More details are available here.

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Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.