Materials Scientist – Staff Scientist

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 ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$117,180 - $178,392 Annually

$117,180 - $148,608 Annually for the SES.1 level

$140,700 - $178,392 Annually for the SES.2 level

This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s 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.

We have an opening for a Materials Scientist to support research of explosives and polymers in the areas of materials aging, compatibility, and performance. In this role, you would be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research in LLNL mission-related areas. This position is in the Aging & Compatibility of Manufactured Explosives (ACME) group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division, supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization. 

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

• Conduct limited complexity directed research to understand material aging phenomena.
• Contribute to the development of diagnostics for materials aging, compatibility, and performance assessments of explosives and explosive-containing components.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, and integration experts from LLNL and its sponsors in all aspects of system development.
• Collaborate with other team members in the design, implementation, and qualification of cutting-edge research and system development.
• Contribute to project/program milestone completion and provide solutions to problems of limited complexity using standard techniques and methodologies.
• Work with energetic materials and obtain LLNL certification to handle explosives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Independently perform exploratory operations using a variety of analytical instrumentation (e.g., FTIR, profilometry, XRF, DSC, and Raman).
• Document development activities, write reports/memos, and deliver updates and project briefings external to the working group.
• Define and prioritize tasks and goals to ensure project needs are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Work independently and with teams to solve moderately complex to complex problems in the areas of engineering hardware design, chemical analysis, spectroscopy, and testing that require analysis and creative use of established techniques and methods.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Practical hands-on experience with scientific testing of materials.
• Ability to obtain certification as an explosives handler (LLNL training).
• Ability to perform independent work with technical objectives and ability to meet schedule and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities.
• Ability to work in a collaborative research and development environment.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Comprehensive knowledge in one or more of the following: engineering hardware design, chemical analysis, spectroscopic techniques, material testing methods.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental data.
• Proficient verbal and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills necessary to work with experimental teams.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working in an environment with stringent safety and security policies
• Working knowledge of and/or experience with material degradation
• Familiarity with programming in Java, Python, or Matlab
• Familiarity with computer aided design (CAD) softwares and/or creating engineering drawings

#LI-Hybrid

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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security 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: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal 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.