Plutonium Metallographer Staff Scientist
Livermore, CA - USA
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).
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.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes but not limited to cell phones tablets fitness devices wireless headphones and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device which pairs with a mobile device you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under Find Your Job of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion marital status national origin ancestry sex sexual orientation gender identity disability medical condition pregnancy protected veteran status age citizenship or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time
About Company
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG idea ... View more