Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$117,180 - $148,608 Annually for the SES.1 level

$140,700 - $178,392 Annually for the SES.2 level

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.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Materials Scientist and/or Materials Engineer. You will work in a team environment under the guidance of staff members to conduct experiments investigating the relationships between the process, structure, properties, and performance of various materials, with an emphasis on polymers. This position supports a range of activities in materials characterization, including differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, rheometry, microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, for projects that support national security programs. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, quality assurance, quality control, equipment maintenance, calibration, setup, experimental execution, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. This position is within the Materials Engineering Division (MED) of the Engineering Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will 

Work under the general guidance of staff materials scientists in areas such as chemical and materials sampling, materials characterization, materials processing, sample preparation, mechanical testing, and data analysis to resolve process challenges and optimize the utilization of polymers.Conduct, analyze, and present data from experiments to develop and improve the understanding of materials.Determine creative solutions to technical problems involving the processing and utilization of polymers and alloys by reviewing scientific and technical literature as well as experimental techniques.Disseminate results, including methods developed, and stay current on advancements in materials development and characterization methods.Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technologists to accomplish research goals.Use knowledge gained from testing to make informed recommendations for changes to processing methods in order to optimize material properties.Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

Work under minimal guidance in areas such as materials development, materials processing, welding engineering, fracture toughness testing, mechanical testing, and materials characterization to resolve process challenges and optimize the utilization of metals and alloys.Contribute to the achievement of project and organizational goals.Provide guidance and/or informal mentoring to less-experienced personnel, as needed. Qualifications Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.Experience conducting directed experiments related to the processing, characterization of materials, and mechanical testing.Experience with the technical analysis of characterization data, sample preparation, and chemical/material sampling.Experience working in a quality assurance and quality control environment, evaluating material properties.Fundamental knowledge of maintaining, calibrating, and performing experiments using a range of characterization methods.Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, document analyses, and prepare, present, and explain technical information and publications.Ability to anticipate and adapt to evolving programmatic directions and priorities.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

Experience with material characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.Knowledge of advanced mechanical testing methods, such as fracture and fatigue testing.Comprehensive knowledge of polymer characterization techniques.Strong skills and comprehensive knowledge related to operating characterization equipment.

Qualifications We Desire

Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrating effective creativity, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!Flexible Benefits Package401(k)Relocation AssistanceEducation Reimbursement ProgramFlexible schedules (*depending on project needs)Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
 

Security Clearance

This 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 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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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. 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: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job 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.

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