Plutonium Metallographer - Staff Scientist

LLNL•Livermore, CA

18h•$121,830 - $154,500•Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a Plutonium Metallographer to support actinide materials processing and characterization. The role involves preparing metallography samples for various microscopy techniques (OM, SEM, EPMA) and overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment within a nuclear facility. This position is part of the Nuclear Materials Processing and Characterization group within the Materials Science Division, supporting Superblock Metallurgy within Strategic Deterrence. The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to achieve programmatic milestones.

Requirements

Ability to secure 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 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.

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, 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.