High-Temperature Materials Analyst

We have an opening for a High-Temperature Materials Analyst to support the LLNL Independent Diagnostic Scoring System (LIDSS) team. LIDSS provides cutting edge downrange diagnostics in support of DoD/DOE flight testing activities and analysis products derived from test data. In this position you will collect and interpret data during the testing of the thermal protection systems of high-speed vehicles. This position supports the Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) program within Strategic Deterrence (SD) and is administratively in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) within the Engineering Directorate.

Depending on your assignment this position may offer a hybrid schedule blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Contribute to and actively participate in the research and collection of optical infrared and other data associated with high-temperature materials testing.
• Research study and examine collected material data and analyze its performance under test conditions of interest. Develop implement validate and document tools and processes to analyze datasets.
• Prepare present and explain technical briefings on analysis results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Interface with external contractors responsible for Thermal Protection System design and manufacture to understand underlying material properties and key topics of interest.
• Drive the development and fielding of new instrumentation to improve the quality and utility of data collection during tests.
• Collaborate and communicate with deliver results to and otherwise engage with others in a multidisciplinary team environment including industrial and academic partners project managers and external sponsors to accomplish research and analysis goals.
• Support flight testing activities in remote domestic and foreign locations for up to two weeks at a time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level

• Apply advanced level knowledge of industry standard practices providing opinions and recommendations and exerting influence as necessary to influence project direction towards high-level success criteria.
• Coordinate project interfaces and collaborate with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory serving as the primary technical point of contact on selected tasks and projects.
• Provide overall technical leadership guidance and direction to multidisciplinary project teams in research efforts and in executing projects and tasks including state of the art developments and bringing research results to use while balancing priorities of customers and partners to ensure deadlines are met.
• Mentor advise and provide guidance to junior team members.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in Materials Engineering or a related scientific or technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and broad experience with high-temperature materials manufacturing processes material characterization testing and data analysis.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the structure and chemistry of common ablator materials.
• Experience and familiarity with fluid-structure interaction of said materials and high-speed flow including boundary layer behavior gas-surface interaction heat transfer and ablative shape change.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in the use and application of computer codes to model and perform high-temperature materials testing.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate in a team environment and to present and explain technical information to non-expert stakeholders.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Demonstrated ability to scope plan and deliver on independent technical projects.
• Significant experience with leading managing and overseeing interdisciplinary teams and delivering multiple projects on budget and schedule.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to present technical ideas/results provide advice to management and explain and engage with stakeholders as demonstrated by a strong track record of publications and/or presentations.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity with ballistic reentry systems and associated thermal protection materials.
• Active Q or DoD Top Secret security clearance.

Additional Information :

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

  Pre-Employment Drug Test

  External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time