Plutonium Metallurgist - Staff Scientist

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States' security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.
2 level

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.
3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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.

We are seeking a Plutonium Metallurgist to support actinide materials processing and characterization. The successful candidate will analyze plutonium using metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), and/or Auger electron spectrometry (AES), and will perform or oversee associated equipment installation, upgrades, maintenance, and repairs within a nuclear facility. The role includes collaborating with scientists, engineers, and technicians, as well as training and mentoring colleagues in sample preparation and fissile material handling best practices.

This position is in the Chemistry of Nuclear Materials group within the Materials Science Division.

• 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, microstructural 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 glove boxes 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
• Prepare written analyses, verbal briefings, and other presentations that capture and communicate team results
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Evaluate, identify, and develop advanced solutions for nuclear materials processing, compatibility, or aging issues
• Contribute to the development of new capabilities or experimental setups for emerging programmatic needs involving fissile materials
• Lead organized and pragmatic failure analysis campaigns under intense time pressures
• Mentor and collaborate with other scientists in and across multidisciplinary teams as necessary

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Qlevel 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 related experience
• Hands‑on sample preparation and characterization experience with depth of knowledge in at least one of these areas: metallography, SEM, TEM, XPS, AES, EPMA, DSC/TGA, mechanical testing
• Experience in laboratory equipment troubleshooting and maintenance
• Ability to work in a collaborative team research environment and to support fellow scientists, engineers, and technologists
• Effective verbal and written communication skills necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports, explain technical information, and advise management
• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and nontechnical staff within a collaborative research environment

• MS or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and experience Advanced knowledge and significant experience in physical and mechanical metallurgy, microstructural characterization and the maintenance of related equipment
• Demonstrated experience designing, executing, and interpreting complex experiments, including statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification where appropriate
• Track record of independent, high‑impact scientific contributions as demonstrated by publications in reputable journals
• Proven ability to lead or substantially contribute to multidisciplinary research teams, including planning tasks, meeting milestones, and delivering on programmatic objectives
• Familiarity with safety basis documentation,…