Senior​/Principal R&D Laboratory Support Technologist - Ceramics, Onsite

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co‑workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401(k), learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking a highly qualified R&D Laboratory Support Technologist to advance our understanding of active ceramics materials, with a focus on improving our electro‑ceramics synthesis processes, characterizing their chemical properties, and quantifying their electro‑mechanical performance. You will be asked to work on a high‑performance research and development team to perform materials research, process development, chemical and electrical characterization, and design and fabrication of electronic/active ceramic materials and devices.

You will engage in project efforts that are highly collaborative and team oriented in nature, working directly with staff members, technologists, and production operators across centers.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Develop ceramic powder synthesis and processing methods.
• Perform wet chemical synthesis.
• Develop ceramic fabrication and shape‑forming techniques, sintering and densification.
• Execute ceramic materials and device characterization (chemical, electrical) techniques.
• Operate electro‑mechanical testing equipment for materials and devices.
• Utilize LabVIEW and PC‑based data acquisition software and techniques.
• Support test systems integration and engineering.
• Coordinate and track the progress of multiple batches of material, record data electronically, and process information on unclassified and classified networks.
• Handle classified components appropriately, adhering to movement requirements, and following all security protocols.
• Fully support laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, coordinating facilities work, documenting safe work practices, and complying with security protocols.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

$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.

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM or related field, such as ceramics, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, electronics, mechanics, physics; or equivalent
• Experience with materials synthesis and characterization
• Experience with using and operating common materials and electromechanical testing equipment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance

• 2 or more years of experience working in a high security environment, like a national laboratory
• Creative problem solver that is pragmatic and comfortable working in a dynamic environment. A willingness to learn and continuously improve
• Experience with ceramic powder synthesis and powder processing, wet chemical synthesis for ceramics, ceramic fabrication and shape‑forming techniques, sintering and densification, and ceramic materials and device characterization (chemical, electrical) techniques
• Use and operation of electro‑mechanical testing equipment to characterize materials and devices
• Demonstrated knowledge of working safely with systems that have high voltage and high pressure hazards
• Knowledge and use of LabVIEW and PC‑based data…