MetallographerFractographer Staff Scientist

We have an opening for an experienced Materials Scientist with experience in metallography and/or fractography. The successful candidate will perform a range of moderate to complex work in sample preparation microscopy materials characterization and failure analysis in support of multiple LLNL programs and principal investigators. Work includes characterizing a wide variety of materials and may involve hazardous materials including radioactive materials beryllium and lead. The role supports timely delivery of high-quality results clear documentation and strong customer engagement within a collaborative R&D environment. This position is in Metallurgy and Advanced Microscopy Group within the Materials Science Division (MSD).

You will:

• Perform moderately complex to complex metallography fractography and materials characterization including sample sectioning mounting grinding and polishing macro- and micro-hardness testing optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (WDS) as needed
• Independently develop methods for preparing and analyzing one-of-a-kind samples including hazardous and radioactive materials.
• Conduct failure analysis activities coordinate inputs from other characterization capabilities (as applicable) and communicate results to customers.
• Maintain sample traceability from receipt through archiving and prepare well-written data sheets summaries and reports.
• Contribute to development and operation of sample preparation and characterization capabilities including performing measurements and troubleshooting equipment maintaining instruments and coordinating with vendors as needed writing safety documentation and supporting safe work practices and supporting equipment upgrades and process improvements
• Contribute to tools and techniques that support high-throughput workflows in characterization laboratories.
• Provide day-to-day technical interaction and support including training and guidance for users and staff in specialized techniques.
• Lead advanced development of sample preparation techniques using state-of-the-art automated equipment.
• Serve as primary technical contact for specific projects and customers.
• Assist LLNL staff in planning and coordinating sample preparation and characterization activities across laboratories within MSD.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition at the SES.4 level: 

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in materials science and metallography applying advanced technical expertise developed through extensive experience metallurgy to support complex analyses and problem-solving.
• Lead the development and optimization of advanced sample preparation techniques using state-of-the-art automated equipment.
• Create and deliver advanced training technical guidance and documentation for users and staff in specialized metallurgical methods and best practices.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors in materials science materials engineering engineering technology engineering science mechanical engineering chemical engineering chemistry physics or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant metallurgical lab experience or related functions (e.g.- metallography experience in aerospace defense or medical implant industry)
• Demonstrated broad understanding of materials science and sample preparation concepts including polishing techniques optical microscopy hardness testing and grain size measurements.
• Broad experience preparing metallographic specimens including working with chemicals and etchants (chemical and/or electro-etching).
• Experience with optical microscopy techniques.
• Experience using computers to collect analyze and document scientific results including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word Excel PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with scientists engineers and other staff in a collaborative R&D environment.
• Significant experience in materials characterization including theoretical understanding of methods and tool limitations.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of materials science concepts such as phase transformations dislocations alloying crystal structure and grain boundaries.
• Training fellow staff members in advanced metallography skills and concepts.

In addition at the SES.4 level

• Experience with hardness testing beyond microhardness (for example Rockwell) tensile testing weld/braze analysis thermal spray analysis heat treating.
• Experience with instrument maintenance and designing/fabricating simple fixtures.
• Significant experience operating and applying SEM techniques including hands-on SEM operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of quality control practices and day-to-day operations in a certified laboratory including familiarity with applicable laboratory standards (for example ISO/IEC 17025).
• Significant experience with additional preparation and characterization tools such as: X-ray diffraction (XRD) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) focused ion beam (FIB) (as applicable) electropolishing ion milling vacuum coating and white-light interferometry density measurements

Pay Range

$175530 -  $267060 Annually

$175530 - $222564 Annually for the SES.3 job level

$210630 - $267060 Annually for the SES.4 job 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)
• 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