Process Chemist

LLNL•Tracy, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We have an opening for a Process Chemist to conduct a full range of general to moderately complex research in the areas of explosives formulations, manufacturing and processing. You will actively participate with and be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting explosives research and programmatic and experimental activities for physical and chemical characterization, and detonation science to address programmatic, research and development needs in energetic materials. This position is in the Energetic Materials Formulation and Testing group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate. This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work. This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. You will Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technical personnel to provide scientific support to various programmatic tasks and explosives research efforts with emphasis on chemistry, manufacturing, and processing of high explosives and special explosives parts. Perform general to moderately complex operations with chemistry processing systems including grinding, sieving, melt casting, vacuum casting, injection molding, mixing, slurry coating, and fulfill duties such as room responsibilities for work cells and bays. Acquire, analyze, interpret data, and report results on projects involving processing of explosives. Provide solutions to fundamental problems of limited complexity related to processing of explosives. Conduct, coordinate, and document procedures and peer reviews. Perform work as an LLNL Explosives Handler, and routinely work hands-on with energetic materials of all types. Perform other duties as assigned. Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level Provide chemistry knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues. Perform independent technical tasks to provide solutions for a diverse range of moderately complex to complex issues. Select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to obtain results based on analysis of multiple, largely identifiable factors.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Environmental Technology, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Have chemical plant production experience.
Fundamental knowledge and understanding of chemistry and materials science and demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
Ability to work effectively with an experimental team under conflicting and rigorous deadlines.
Skill in design and performance of experiments, including knowledge of safety rules and procedures.
Experience handling and knowledge of chemicals in laboratory settings.
Willingness to routinely work with explosives and obtaining and maintaining required qualification as an Explosives Handler.
Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis in a safe and controlled manner, climb a ladder, and wear a respirator as needed.
Experience conducting moderately complex to complex research in process characterization and optimization.
Comprehensive knowledge of chemistry and material science.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Nice To Haves

Master’s (MS) degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Environmental Technology, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Experience with explosive formulation and processing, including grinding, sieving, melt casting, vacuum casting, injection molding, and formulation and pressing of plastic bonded explosives.
Experience with fabrication of large explosive parts.
Knowledge of LLNL programs in energetic materials or LLNL ES&H rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technical personnel to provide scientific support to various programmatic tasks and explosives research efforts with emphasis on chemistry, manufacturing, and processing of high explosives and special explosives parts.
Perform general to moderately complex operations with chemistry processing systems including grinding, sieving, melt casting, vacuum casting, injection molding, mixing, slurry coating, and fulfill duties such as room responsibilities for work cells and bays.
Acquire, analyze, interpret data, and report results on projects involving processing of explosives.
Provide solutions to fundamental problems of limited complexity related to processing of explosives.
Conduct, coordinate, and document procedures and peer reviews.
Perform work as an LLNL Explosives Handler, and routinely work hands-on with energetic materials of all types.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Provide chemistry knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues.
Perform independent technical tasks to provide solutions for a diverse range of moderately complex to complex issues.
Select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to obtain results based on analysis of multiple, largely identifiable factors.