Plutonium Metallographer - Staff Scientist

LLNL$121K — $154K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. Department of Energy Q-level security clearance required, necessitating U.S. citizenship.
  • B.S. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
  • Hands-on experience in sample preparation and characterization.
  • Familiarity with metallurgical processes (casting, heat treating, forging, welding, brazing).
  • Knowledge of processing-structure-properties-performance (PSPP) relationships.
  • Ability to collaborate in a research team with scientists, engineers, and technologists.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for diverse interactions.

Responsibilities

  • Handle, prepare, and transfer fissile materials safely in a nuclear setting.
  • Plan and execute experiments involving fissile materials, including fabrication and characterization.
  • Operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment for sample preparation and analysis.
  • Obtain and maintain Fissile Material Handler Certification.
  • Work with plutonium in secured gloveboxes for extended durations.
  • Develop techniques and evaluation criteria to meet sponsor needs in national security domains.
  • Present high-quality data through written analyses and verbal briefings.

Benefits

  • Flexible Term appointment lasting up to six years, with potential for Career Indefinite status.
  • Confidential handling of personal information according to EEO guidelines.
Full Job Description
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), etc., and will oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment within a nuclear facility. The role includes collaborating with scientists, engineers, and technicians to achieve programmatic milestones. This position is in the Nuclear Materials Processing and Characterization group within the Materials Science Division and supports Superblock Metallurgy within Strategic Deterrence. In this role you will • 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 appropriate national security areas. • Provide high-quality data to support the preparation of written analyses, verbal briefings, and other presentations that capture and 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 to support fellow scientists, engineers, and technologists. • Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact with a diverse set technical and non-technical staff. Pay Range $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 several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Position Information This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow). How to identify fake job advertisements Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond. To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf Videos To Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITnv867DReU

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