Plutonium Metallographer - 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 mission empowers teams to tackle today’s toughest challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

About the role

We are seeking a Plutonium Metallographer to support actinide materials processing and characterization. You will prepare metallography samples for optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment within a nuclear facility. This role involves collaborating with scientists, engineers, and technicians to achieve programmatic milestones within the Nuclear Materials Processing and Characterization group, supporting Superblock Metallurgy in Strategic Deterrence.

Responsibilities

• Handle, prepare, and transfer fissile materials in a nuclear facility in accordance with all safety and security requirements.
• Plan and execute materials science experiments involving fissile materials, including sample fabrication, heat treatment, micro-structural characterization, and property measurements.
• Operate and maintain specialized equipment for sample preparation and characterization.
• Earn and maintain Fissile Material Handler Certification.
• Work with plutonium in gloveboxes and other contamination enclosures for extended periods.
• Contribute to the development of methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to meet sponsor needs in national security areas.
• Provide high-quality data to support written analyses, verbal briefings, and presentations that communicate team results.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• B.S. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Hands-on sample preparation and characterization experience.
• Familiarity with metallurgical processes such as casting, heat treating, forging, welding, and brazing.
• Fundamental knowledge of processing-structure-properties-performance (PSPP) relationships.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team research environment and support fellow scientists, engineers, and technologists.
• Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of technical and non-technical staff.

Pay

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Benefits

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

Additional Information

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If selected, a Federal background investigation will be initiated to determine eligibility for access to classified information. All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. External applicants must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test, including testing for marijuana as Federal Law applies.

Depending on job duties, you may be required to work in Limited Areas where personal and/or laboratory mobile devices are restricted. Medical devices paired with mobile devices must comply with these restrictions unless wireless capabilities are disabled. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities are permitted.