Materials Scientist/Engineer - Program Lead

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking an experienced Materials Scientist, Materials Engineer, or Metallurgist at the Ph.D. or M.Sc. level to join the Department of Materials Science and Manufacturing (MSM). This role will bolster expertise in materials science, materials engineering, and metallurgy, with a focus on physical metallurgy, materials properties and performance, and qualification and certification of materials and components, particularly for the armed services. Experience in advanced manufacturing techniques is a plus.

About the role

The successful candidate will lead a qualification and certification program supporting armed services operations and industrial base manufacturing, with applications focused on components for military defensive and offensive purposes. Expertise in materials performance, development, and manufacturing process development for high-strength, lightweight, oxidation-resistant metal alloys is required. The role involves integrating artificial intelligence (AI), digital engineering, Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), modeling, and simulation into materials development and advanced processing.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. The team works a 9x80 schedule located out of the Idaho Falls facility, with every other Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Lead a qualification and certification program for armed services operations and industrial base manufacturing, focusing on components for military applications.
• Develop and advance materials performance, manufacturing processes, and high-strength, lightweight, oxidation-resistant metal alloys.
• Integrate AI, digital engineering, ICME, modeling, and simulation into materials development and advanced processing systems.
• Serve as principal investigator and program lead, including writing proposals and securing funding from public and private organizations.
• Guide and mentor multi-disciplined technical teams in laboratory research to prove new principles and concepts in advanced materials development.
• Act as a long-term technical and strategic leader within the department, building and leading new missions and programs in materials science and engineering.
• Develop new programs for advanced materials development and performance assessment in alignment with departmental, directorate, and laboratory strategic priorities.
• Assist leadership in executing the organization’s broader strategic plan.

Requirements

• M.Sc. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related field from an ABET-accredited program, with 6 years of related post-M.Sc. experience (Level 4) or 8 years (Level 5); OR Ph.D. in the same fields with 4 years of related post-PhD experience (Level 4) or 6 years (Level 5).
• 4+ years of direct experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience within the Department of War (DOW) or the broader defense industrial base.
• Experience managing programs or projects with a total budget of $20 million or greater.
• Knowledge of AI and its application in technical areas relevant to materials science.
• Experience with materials qualification and certification processes (e.g., MIL-STD, AMS, ISO, ASTM frameworks) as applied to defense platforms.
• Proven track record of efficient mission execution and management of medium- to large-scale projects, delivering on time and on budget from requirements definition through qualification/certification milestones.
• Experience in technical decision-making and direction at the medium- to large-scale project level.
• Ability to understand and execute customer needs effectively.
• Demonstrated record of effective teamwork and collaboration across organizational boundaries.
• Excellence in interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including briefing senior government and military stakeholders and translating technical risk into program/schedule impact for non-technical leadership.
• Experience in structure/property characterization of materials, including development of new materials and materials characterization techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Direct experience with DOW materials certification and qualification for weapons platforms/systems (e.g., MMPDS, Qualified Products Lists, airworthiness/flightworthiness processes, nuclear certification).
• Experience with DOW manufacturing industrial contractors.
• Experience applying ICME, digital engineering, and/or AI tools to accelerate qualification timelines.
• Experience with agentic AI, automated reasoning, or human-in-the-loop decision workflows for technical or engineering assessments.
• Experience developing or applying digital twin models to support materials or component qualification.
• Experience working across multiple military branches or similarly complex multi-stakeholder, multi-authority environments.
• Experience with materials qualification or fielding in forward-deployed, austere, or resource-constrained environments.
• Experience engaging with standards bodies (e.g., ASTM, SAE) to codify guidance or specifications.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, and bending in office and laboratory environments.
• Hand/finger dexterity for keyboarding, handling materials, manipulating tools, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 50 pounds.
• Operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with people.
• Ability to smell.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Pay

The pay range for this position is:

• Level 4: $114,360 - $234,336
• Level 5: $137,076 - $281,196

Compensation decisions are based on education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

This is a multi-level posting; placement will depend on the depth and breadth of proven experience and skills. This is a testing designated position requiring a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout employment.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package

Benefit eligibility is subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.