Process Chemist

We have an opening for a Process Chemist to conduct a full range of general to moderately complex research in the areas of explosives formulations manufacturing and processing. You will actively participate with and be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting explosives research and programmatic and experimental activities for physical and chemical characterization and detonation science to address programmatic research and development needs in energetic materials. This position is in the Energetic Materials Formulation and Testing group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

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 

• Collaborate with scientists engineers and technical personnel to provide scientific support to various programmatic tasks and explosives research efforts with emphasis on chemistry manufacturing and processing of high explosives and special explosives parts.
• Perform general to moderately complex operations with chemistry processing systems including grinding sieving melt casting vacuum casting injection molding mixing slurry coating and fulfill duties such as room responsibilities for work cells and bays.
• Acquire analyze interpret data and report results on projects involving processing of explosives.
• Provide solutions to fundamental problems of limited complexity related to processing of explosives.
• Conduct coordinate and document procedures and peer reviews.
• Perform work as an LLNL Explosives Handler and routinely work hands-on with energetic materials of all types.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.2 level 

• Provide chemistry knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues.
• Perform independent technical tasks to provide solutions for a diverse range of moderately complex to complex issues.
• Select methods techniques and evaluation criteria to obtain results based on analysis of multiple largely identifiable factors.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors (BS) degree in Chemistry Materials Science or Environmental Technology or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Have chemical plant production experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and understanding of chemistry and materials science and demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work effectively with an experimental team under conflicting and rigorous deadlines.
• Skill in design and performance of experiments including knowledge of safety rules and procedures.
• Experience handling and knowledge of chemicals in laboratory settings.
• Willingness to routinely work with explosives and obtaining and maintaining required qualification as an Explosives Handler.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis in a safe and controlled manner climb a ladder and wear a respirator as needed.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level 

• Experience conducting moderately complex to complex research in process characterization and optimization.
• Comprehensive knowledge of chemistry and material science.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters (MS) degree in Chemistry Materials Science or Environmental Technology or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with explosive formulation and processing including grinding sieving melt casting vacuum casting injection molding and formulation and pressing of plastic bonded explosives.
• Experience with fabrication of large explosive parts.
• Knowledge of LLNL programs in energetic materials or LLNL ES&H rules and regulations.

Pay Range

$121830 - $154500  Annually for the SES.1 level
$146340 - $185544  Annually for the SES.2 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 employees 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 :

#LI-Onsite

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).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2026 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  300

  Site 300 is an experimental test site operated by LLNL.  Situated on 7000 acres in rural foothills approximately six miles southwest of downtown Tracy and 15 miles southeast of Livermore Site 300 hosts approximately 200 employees with expertise in such fields as engineering chemistry biology and environmental restoration. Employees assigned to work at Site 300 may be exposed to the organism that causes San Joaquin Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis).

  Security 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. 

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  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