Chemical Materials Scientist

About the Role

General Atomics (GA) and its affiliated companies are leading resources for high-technology systems development, including the nuclear fuel cycle, remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies. The Inertial Fusion Technology (IFT) division designs, manufactures, and characterizes first-of-a-kind precision components supporting National Laboratories and fusion/science technologies. Components are produced and measured using highly specialized, precise equipment, often at millimeter scale with micron-sized features and tolerances.

This position involves determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of difficult scientific problems under general supervision with limited review. Assignments are outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results, with work reviewed at milestones or completion. The role includes documenting findings, communicating results to scientific staff, and making technical presentations. You may coordinate segments of specific projects, engage in frequent inter-organization and customer contact on technical issues, and provide direction to design or technical staff, including less experienced professionals.

Responsibilities

• Supports operation of scientific systems by evaluating and interpreting needs and problems, developing effective approaches to resolve those issues.
• Troubleshoots, analyzes, and repairs systems in assigned area using standard scientific principles.
• Provides documentation and makes technical presentations; may assist in responding to proposals for new or expanded business opportunities.
• Directs the activities of designers, technicians, and may direct less experienced professional staff.
• May develop and/or perform computational modeling of scientific phenomena.
• May represent the organization in providing solutions to technical issues associated with specific projects.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the company; expected to work safely in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs additional duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field, with progressively complex scientific experience (four or more years with a Bachelor’s, two or more with a Master’s). Equivalent scientific experience may substitute for education.
• Complete understanding of scientific concepts, principles, codes, and theory, with broad application of those concepts.
• Expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in an evolving environment.
• Strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, perform complex tasks in one scientific area, and lead a team of less experienced professionals on semi-routine tasks.
• Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Original work(s) published in professional scientific journals or formal technical equivalents are highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing data analysis on large unstructured datasets.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas/results to internal and external customers.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams from diverse scientific/technical backgrounds.
• General understanding of Materials and Process Engineering concepts, principles, and theory, with technical experience demonstrating application while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Pay

Salary range: $98,100 – $171,398

Schedule

Full-time