Development Metallurgist
About the role
As a Development Researcher, you will conduct leading-edge research and development activities with specific applications to manufacturing, production, quality operations, or similar national security applications. The position involves project leadership, coordinating and preparing technical aspects of engineering projects from inception to completion, including project reviews. You will conduct formal presentations to plant personnel and other stakeholders, participate in the development and design of new production improvements, and serve as a liaison with design agencies, vendors, and contractors to ensure technical cooperation.
This role includes evaluation, analysis, recordkeeping, procurement, laboratory work, testing of next-generation equipment, and development of novel materials and manufacturing technologies. You will also interface with system and process engineers in production areas to provide technical oversight and troubleshooting assistance, ensuring Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) mission milestones are met.
The position focuses on uranium research and development, including production and characterization of uranium, uranium alloys, and associated materials.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate technical aspects of engineering projects from inception to completion, including project reviews.
- Conduct formal presentations to plant personnel and other interested parties.
- Develop, research, and design new types of proposed improvements in production and formulation of broad programs.
- Serve as a liaison with representatives of design agencies, vendors, and contractors to ensure technical cooperation.
- Analyze the impact of mission changes on assigned programs, designs, and concepts; recommend improvements and prepare technical specifications.
- Act as a leader, advisor, or consultant in the design and application of products, processes, devices, and equipment.
- Recommend improvements in procedures, work control packages, technology utilization, and automation.
- Evaluate, analyze, and maintain records related to uranium, uranium alloys, and associated materials.
- Work in a laboratory environment, test next-generation equipment, and develop novel materials and manufacturing technologies.
- Provide technical oversight and troubleshooting assistance to production areas to meet NSE mission milestones.
- Prepare detailed written reports for internal and external customers based on experimental results.
- Develop, manage, and report planned cost and scheduled work; create recovery plans to achieve overall objectives.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics, or related) from an ABET-accredited program in the U.S., or designated equivalents from Canada, Mexico, the Washington Accord, or ABET-documented substantially equivalent programs, and 2 years of relevant experience.
- Alternatively, an MS or PhD in Engineering or Physical Science.
- Minimum GPA requirements (confirmed by transcript):
- 3.0/4.0 for Bachelor’s degree (up to 4 years post-graduation).
- 3.3 for Master’s degree.
- 3.5 for PhD.
- Beyond four years from graduation, engineering experience supersedes GPA as a requirement.
- Deep understanding of Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) to develop, monitor, and optimize manufacturing processes, including the relationship between VAR equipment operating parameters and their effect on solidification processes and material properties.
- Technical knowledge of engineering systems related to material, design, analysis, testing, qualification, and engineering application of computers.
- Ability to clearly and effectively communicate through oral and written word, interpret experimental results, and convert data into detailed reports.
- Ability to work collaboratively and build professional relationships across projects, organizations, and external entities.
- Ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion under limited supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with high-temperature processing techniques such as:
- Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) and casting.
- Microwave heating and melting.
- Plasma and electron beam melting.
- Vacuum Induction Skull Melting.
- Relevant experience with high-temperature processing and casting of uranium or uranium alloys.
- Experience with additional metallurgical processes such as heat treating, forming, rolling, swaging, and extrusion of various engineering materials.
Benefits
- Medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental plans.
- Employer-matched 401(k) savings plan.
- Disability coverage.
- Education reimbursement.
- Onsite workout facilities and healthy cafeteria options.
- Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
- Career advancement and professional development programs.
- Wellness initiatives.
Additional Information
Requires a Q clearance; all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required. This position may require entry into Material Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (10 C.F.R. Part 712), which includes a DOE counterintelligence evaluation and may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination. This position may also be categorized as a “designated position” under 10 C.F.R. Part 709, requiring a similar evaluation.
CNS is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening, and background investigation. U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to random drug testing without advance notification.