Materials Scientist 2 - Solid Phase Processing

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Applied Materials and Manufacturing group is seeking an outstanding researcher with expertise in solid phase processing (SPP) to be part of our team of experts in metals processing and performance. This is an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a world-class, interdisciplinary research program that is pushing the envelope on next generation metals manufacture for a variety of technology applications. PNNL’s research in this area seeks to develop manufacturing process solutions and subsequently understand the underpinning physics of microstructural evolution in materials subjected to high strain during synthesis – conditions that are inherent to SPP methods. In addition PNNL seeks to translate that understanding to potential commercial applications in a suite of scalable manufacturing platforms that can deliver materials and components with exceptional performance. This position will be hands-on with SPP technologies that include friction stir related technologies and additive manufacturing variants, shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE), and/or cold spray. The position involves working with processing equipment and interfacing with others to perform characterization. The position holder will explore the relationship between processing conditions, microstructure, and performance. The position holder will help develop material- and application-specific processing approaches, protocols, and parameters. The successful candidate can expect to prepare manuscripts for publication, communicate research context and findings internally and externally, and develop new ideas for research. Spans fundamental materials science to applied materials engineering. Synthesizes and studies the structures and physical/chemical properties of various natural, synthetic, and composite materials including metals, alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, rubber, glass, and combinations of these materials. Studies the structures of materials from atomic to large length scales and performs short- and long-term characterization, modeling, or testing of these materials to understand their behavior and determine ways to improve them or develop new materials with specific properties. Develops individual steps and combined processes for manufacturing, joining, finishing, treating, and strengthening materials. Develops computational models of materials that describe structures, properties, and performance of materials. Specific research areas include physics, chemistry, materials science, materials engineering, glass science, ceramic science, metallurgy, manufacturing and process engineering, corrosion science, and polymer science.

Requirements

BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
Mandatory Requirements: Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in friction stir related technologies including processing, extrusion, deposition, and other processes involving high temperature severe plastic deformation.
Hands-on experience with manufacturing process related machinery.
Ability to design or modify friction stir tools, fixtures or equipment to support process development. Includes knowledge and capability to use of Solidworks.
Knowledge or experience in AI for development of materials and manufacturing solutions related to energy and strategic materials applications.
Experience in or collaboration with others in physical and mechanical metallurgy and corrosion performance of Fe- and Ni-based alloys or other higher melting point materials.
Experience with automation and robotics.
Experience with advanced controls and real time quality analysis.
Knowledge of various electron microscopy techniques and mechanical testing methods.
Expertise in interpretation and the subsequent analysis of characterization data.
Internships or other experience in industrial organizations.
Strong team player and an ability to conduct independent and inter-dependent research.
Ability to provide innovative solutions.
Appropriate analytic, task management, and communication skills (both oral and written) to clearly articulate research objectives and outcomes.
Ability to perform work with the level of quality and timeliness to meet required project and client expectations.

Responsibilities

This position will be hands-on with SPP technologies that include friction stir related technologies and additive manufacturing variants, shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE), and/or cold spray.
The position involves working with processing equipment and interfacing with others to perform characterization.
The position holder will explore the relationship between processing conditions, microstructure, and performance.
The position holder will help develop material- and application-specific processing approaches, protocols, and parameters.
Prepare manuscripts for publication.
Communicate research context and findings internally and externally.
Develop new ideas for research.
Synthesizes and studies the structures and physical/chemical properties of various natural, synthetic, and composite materials including metals, alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, rubber, glass, and combinations of these materials.
Studies the structures of materials from atomic to large length scales and performs short- and long-term characterization, modeling, or testing of these materials to understand their behavior and determine ways to improve them or develop new materials with specific properties.
Develops individual steps and combined processes for manufacturing, joining, finishing, treating, and strengthening materials.
Develops computational models of materials that describe structures, properties, and performance of materials.