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Plutonium Metallographer Staff Scientist

LLNL


Job Location:

Livermore, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 23 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 20 October 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

We are seeking a Plutonium Metallographer to support actinide materials processing and characterization. You will prepare metallography samples for optical microscopy (OM) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) etc. and will oversee the installation maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment within a nuclear facility. The role includes collaborating with scientists engineers and technicians to achieve programmatic milestones.

This position is in the Nuclear Materials Processing and Characterization group within the Materials Science Division and supports Superblock Metallurgy within Strategic Deterrence.

In this role you will

  • Handle prepare and transfer fissile materials in a nuclear facility in accordance with all safety and security requirements.
  • Plan and execute materials science experiments involving fissile materials including sample fabrication heat treatment micro-structural characterization and property measurements.
  • Operate and maintain specialized equipment for sample preparation and characterization.
  • Earn and maintain Fissile Material Handler Certification.
  • Work with plutonium in gloveboxes and other contamination enclosures for extended periods.
  • Contribute to the development of methods techniques and evaluation criteria to meet sponsor needs in appropriate national security areas.
  • Provide high-quality data to support the preparation of written analyses verbal briefings and other presentations that capture and communicate team results.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Qlevel security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
  • B.S. in Materials Science Metallurgy or a closely related discipline or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Hands-on sample preparation and characterization experience.
  • Familiarity with metallurgical processes such as casting heat treating forging welding and brazing.
  • Fundamental knowledge of processing-structure-properties-performance (PSPP) relationships.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team research environment and to support fellow scientists engineers and technologists.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact with a diverse set technical and non-technical staff.

Pay Range

$121830 - $154500 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  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).

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