Metallographer/Fractographer - Staff Scientist

Join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and contribute to impactful work advancing science and technology in nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense. Our culture fosters innovation and operational excellence, offering an environment where your expertise can drive real-world solutions.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Materials Scientist specializing in metallography and/or fractography. The successful candidate will perform moderate to complex sample preparation, microscopy, materials characterization, and failure analysis for multiple LLNL programs. This role involves working with hazardous materials, including radioactive substances, beryllium, and lead, and requires delivering high-quality results in a collaborative R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform metallography, fractography, and materials characterization, including sample sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, macro- and micro-hardness testing, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with techniques such as Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
• Develop independent methods for preparing and analyzing unique samples, including hazardous and radioactive materials.
• Conduct failure analysis, coordinate inputs from other characterization capabilities, and communicate results to customers.
• Maintain sample traceability from receipt through archiving and prepare well-documented data sheets, summaries, and reports.
• Contribute to the development and operation of sample preparation and characterization capabilities, including troubleshooting equipment, maintaining instruments, coordinating with vendors, and supporting safety documentation and process improvements.
• Support high-throughput workflows in characterization laboratories through tools and techniques.
• Provide technical interaction, training, and guidance for users and staff in specialized techniques.
• Lead advanced development of sample preparation techniques using state-of-the-art automated equipment.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for specific projects and customers.
• Assist in planning and coordinating sample preparation and characterization activities across laboratories within the Materials Science Division (MSD).

At the SES.4 level, additional responsibilities include:

• Serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in materials science and metallography, applying advanced technical expertise to complex analyses and problem-solving.
• Leading the development and optimization of advanced sample preparation techniques using automated equipment.
• Creating and delivering advanced training, technical guidance, and documentation for specialized metallurgical methods.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, materials engineering, engineering technology, engineering science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant metallurgical lab experience or related functions (e.g., metallography experience in aerospace, defense, or medical implant industries).
• Demonstrated broad understanding of materials science and sample preparation concepts, including polishing techniques, optical microscopy, hardness testing, and grain size measurements.
• Experience preparing metallographic specimens, including working with chemicals and etchants (chemical and/or electro-etching).
• Experience with optical microscopy techniques.
• Proficiency using computers to collect, analyze, and document scientific results, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills for collaborating in an R&D environment.
• Significant experience in materials characterization, including theoretical understanding of methods and tool limitations.
• Advanced knowledge of materials science concepts such as phase transformations, dislocations, alloying, crystal structure, and grain boundaries.
• Experience training fellow staff members in advanced metallography skills and concepts.

At the SES.4 level, additional qualifications include:

• Experience with hardness testing beyond microhardness (e.g., Rockwell), tensile testing, weld/braze analysis, thermal spray analysis, and heat treating.
• Experience with instrument maintenance and designing/fabricating simple fixtures.
• Significant experience operating and applying SEM techniques, including hands-on SEM operations.
• Knowledge of quality control practices and day-to-day operations in a certified laboratory, including familiarity with standards such as ISO/IEC 17025.
• Experience with additional preparation and characterization tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), focused ion beam (FIB), electropolishing, ion milling, vacuum coating, white-light interferometry, and density measurements.

Pay

Annual pay range: $175,530 - $267,060

• $175,530 - $222,564 for the SES.3 job level
• $210,630 - $267,060 for the SES.4 job level

This range reflects the lowest to highest salary we believe we would pay for this role at the time of posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business needs.

Schedule

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If the final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)