What Your Job Will Be LikeOur team is seeking an engaged and motivated materials science Laboratory Support Technologist to work on challenging technical problems in solder science and materials joining. This individual will work on a wide berth of projects requiring evaluation using advanced materials characterization, metallurgical analyses, and failure analysis efforts as part of both R&D and more applied-science activities. These activities could include running experiments on advanced electrical and mechanical equipment, conducting solder material evaluations, relating metallurgical phenomena to testing in support of understanding materials behavior, and completing materials characterization through analyses, among others. We are focused strongly on materials for applications in high reliability components and our research is at the forefront of groundbreaking materials deployment.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Recommend and initiate new experiments and/or alternative approaches to unique problems
- Operate and maintain experimental apparatuses including (but not limited to) thermal cycling chambers, ovens, mechanical test frames, and microscopes
- Fabricate solder joints for R&D/manufacturing applications
- Plan and conduct materials testing such as reliability testing of solder joints and/or electrical interconnects, wetting balance testing, creep testing, fatigue evaluation, optical microscopy, and image analysis on a wide range of materials
- Analyze and present samples for material interfaces, microstructural characteristics, failure analysis, and other material properties
- Update and maintain safety documentation. Purchase chemicals and supplies for solder lab
- Train and mentor interns/postdocs other solder lab members on day-to-day laboratory operations
- Work closely and collaborate in a team and customer-focused environment with technologists, staff, and managers both inside and outside your organization
- Perform preventative maintenance tasks and improve lab equipment capabilities
- Updating and writing safety documentation
Due to the nature of the work, the selected candidate must be able to work onsite.
Salary Range$74,700 - $144,400
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require- High School diploma plus three year of relevant experience, or equivalent
- Laboratory experience in constructing, developing, and/or using test equipment
- Experience with materials characterization or inspection equipment (i.e. optical/electron microscopes, etc.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance
Qualifications We Desire- Bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, metallurgy or similar field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience with solder materials, microelectronic components, or printed circuit boards
- Experience processing and analyzing data, documenting results, and presenting conclusions
- Track record of safely working in a laboratory environment
- Proven capability to prioritize and complete work across multiple simultaneous projects
- Proven ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
- Ability to work well in a team environment and independently
- An active DOE Q security clearance or DOD equivalent
About Our TeamThe Microsystems Assembly & Brazing Department specializes in: (1) advanced packaging of electrical, MEMS-based, and optical components, and (2) addressing near-term and long-term soldering R&D needs, and (3) developing brazing methodologies for mission applications. The packaging team develops prototypes, fixtures, and proof-of concept devices to meet a wide variety of national security mission needs. We have advanced packaging and assembly capabilities that include precision wire bonding of integrated circuits, laser machining, and hermetic sealing, which are used to prototype complex integrated electronics assemblies. The soldering and brazing teams focus on understanding the process-to-performance connection of these joining methodologies, leading research to anticipate future needs while addressing engineering challenges affecting the mission today.
Posting DurationThis posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security ClearanceSandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
