Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory · 15 hours ago
Plutonium Metallurgist - Staff Scientist
Livermore, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$146K/yr - $223K/yrLawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is dedicated to strengthening the United States' security through innovative solutions. They are seeking a Plutonium Metallurgist to support actinide materials processing and characterization, involving analysis and handling of plutonium in a nuclear facility while collaborating with a team of scientists and engineers.
Information TechnologyMarket ResearchSecurity
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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, microstructural 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
Prepare written analyses, verbal briefings, and other presentations that capture and communicate team results
Perform other duties as assigned
Evaluate, identify, and develop advanced solutions for nuclear materials processing, compatibility, or aging issues
Contribute to the development of new capabilities or experimental setups for emerging programmatic needs involving fissile materials
Lead organized and pragmatic failure analysis campaigns under intense time pressures
Mentor and collaborate with other scientists in and across multidisciplinary teams as necessary
Qualification
Required
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Q‑level 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 related experience
Hands-on sample preparation and characterization experience with depth of knowledge in at least one of these areas: metallography, SEM, TEM, XPS, AES, EPMA, DSC/TGA, mechanical testing
Experience in laboratory equipment troubleshooting and maintenance
Ability to work in a collaborative team research environment and to support fellow scientists, engineers, and technologists
Effective verbal and written communication skills necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports, explain technical information, and advise management
Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and nontechnical staff within a collaborative research environment
Preferred
MS or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and experience Advanced knowledge and significant experience in physical and mechanical metallurgy, microstructural characterization and the maintenance of related equipment
Demonstrated experience designing, executing, and interpreting complex experiments, including statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification where appropriate
Track record of independent, high‑impact scientific contributions as demonstrated by publications in reputable journals
Proven ability to lead or substantially contribute to multi‑disciplinary research teams, including planning tasks, meeting milestones, and delivering on programmatic objectives
Familiarity with safety basis documentation, conduct of operations, and formal work planning and control in experimental nuclear facilities
Benefits
Flexible Benefits Package
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Education Reimbursement Program
Flexible schedules (•depending on project needs)
Company
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a national security laboratory, provides transformational solutions to national security challenges.
Founded in 1952
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.4MKey Investors
ARPA-EUS Department of EnergyDARPA
2023-11-21Grant
2023-08-14Grant
2022-09-19Grant
Leadership Team
G
Greg Herweg
Chief Technology Officer
D
David Shaughnessy
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
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