Plutonium Metallographer - Staff Scientist

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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.



We are seeking a Plutonium Metallographer to support actinide materials processing and characterization. You will prepare metallography samples for optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), etc., and will oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment within a nuclear facility. The role includes collaborating with scientists, engineers, and technicians to achieve programmatic milestones.

This position is in the Nuclear Materials Processing and Characterization group within the Materials Science Division and supports Superblock Metallurgy within Strategic Deterrence.

In this role you will

• 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.

• 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.

Pay Range

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. 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.



All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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

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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.

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