Plutonium Pyrochemist Staff Scientist

We have an opening for a Plutonium Pyrochemist to support plutonium chemistry and materials science activities within the Superblock Program. This position will be filled at either the SES.1 or SES.2 level depending on qualifications and experience. You will work onsite as a fissile material handler performing hands-on processing and recovery of plutonium using advanced pyrochemical techniques. The role involves operating and maintaining specialized equipment performing process operations in gloveboxes and supporting work planning and control activities for new or modified operations.

This position is in the Chemistry of Nuclear Materials Group within the Materials Science Division and supports the Superblock Program within Strategic Deterrence.

You Will

• Become qualified as a Fissile Material Handler and perform work in gloveboxes and contamination enclosures while strictly adhering to safety and security requirements.
• Execute Direct Oxide Reduction (DOR) Electrorefining (ER) Process Salt Cleanup Metal Alloying and Salt Production operations under prescribed procedures.
• Operate maintain and oversee repair of process equipment including: resistance and induction furnaces vacuum systems electrical power supplies.
• Support nuclear materials inventory management.
• Assist in the development and continuous improvement of operating procedures for plutonium pyrochemical processes and equipment.
• Support operations through the work planning and control process including hazard identification control implementation and post-job feedback.
• Contribute to the fulfillment of technical project and program objectives and function as a dependable member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at theSES.2 Level

• Conduct moderately complex to complex pyrochemical separations and processing applying fundamental understanding of nuclear materials.
• Drive continuous improvement of existing pyrochemical recovery processes and procedures; apply lessons learned to future batches.
• Independently develop and refine methods for plutonium synthesis alloying and sample preparation.
• Provide technical guidance to team members and contribute to the development of innovative approaches and solutions.
• Prepare and deliver written analyses verbal briefings and technical presentations capturing and communicating scientific advancements.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• B.S. in chemistry chemical engineering materials science or a closely related engineering or science field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Ability to become a fissile material handler including willingness to work with radioactive materials in gloveboxes contamination enclosures or respirators.
• Demonstrated understanding of fundamental concepts of chemistry and/or materials processing and the ability to apply this knowledge to hands-on laboratory work.
• Detail-oriented nature required to work deliberately in a highly regulated nuclear facility while complying with numerous safety security and quality requirements.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude or experience with laboratory/industrial equipment including setup operation basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Ability to balance workload according to program priorities solve practical problems and complete tasks on time with minimal oversight once trained.
• Sufficient  verbal written and interpersonal skills to document work provide status updates and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

Additional job qualifications at the SES.2 level

• M.S. in chemistry chemical engineering materials science or a closely related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with high temperature metallurgical electrochemical and other pyrochemical processing techniques.
• Experience working in a highly regulated laboratory environment.
• Broad understanding of nuclear materials processing and contamination control.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop and improve laboratory procedures.

Pay Range

$121830 - $185544 Annually

$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 :

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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)
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  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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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time