ChemistMaterials Scientist

We have an opening for a Chemist/Materials Scientist to support research activities associated with the development and deployment of optics used in laser systems including the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and other high power laser systems.  As part of a multi-disciplinary team working in the Optical Materials S&T program in the NIF & Photon Science directorate you will conduct experiments help develop and implement chemical processes and perform surface and materials characterization on projects that aim to advance the next generation of technology in optical materials fabrication processing coating and finishing.  This position is in the Optical Materials Group within the Materials Science Division.

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.

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 

• Conduct wet-chemistry laboratory experiments including activities such as etching coating slurry preparation bonding thermal processing and grinding & polishing.
• Identify necessary supplies; measure optical and material properties; operate maintain and commission laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Perform wet etching and chemical processing of optics in a clean room environment.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook; generate organize and analyze experimental data; and participate in research and project planning.
• Provide technical support to engineers and scientists in research and development projects.
• Develop define and prepare operating procedures while maintaining laboratory safety standards.
• Prepare progress reports and presentations to supervisor/mentor and project teams.
• Serve as a key team member in cutting-edge optics research and development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.2 level 

• Provide science-based engineering solutions or independent technical analysis to resolve moderately complex to complex technical issues.
• Select methods techniques and evaluation criteria to obtain results based on analysis of multiple factors.
• Collaborate on the development of technology in optical materials fabrication; perform research guided by multiple primary investigators.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Chemistry Chemical Engineering Materials Science Materials Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience performing wet-chemistry processes or experiments in a general chemistry laboratory industrial or cleanroom setting.
• Experience performing optical or materials characterizations such as ellipsometry spectrophotometry dynamic light scattering microscopy or interferometry.
• Experience using software packages   to collect analyze and document scientific results.
• Organizational skills to maintain a safe laboratory and to keep datasets managed and accessible.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to document research results.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment as part of an inclusive and multi-disciplinary team.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level 

• Masters degree in Chemistry Chemical Engineering Materials Science or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Broad experience identifying defining and executing multi-disciplinary experiments or solving multi-disciplinary problems in a timely cost-effective manner.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory operations or chemical/material process development and the ability to meet schedule deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with wet etch processes thermal processing and clean room protocols and associated equipment.
• Familiarity with optical fabrication or Chemical Mechanical Planarization processing and characterization techniques and associated equipment.
• Familiarity with materials and surface characterization tools (white light interferometry indentation particle size measurement optical microscopy profilometry scanning electron microscopy).

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 :

#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  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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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time