Chemist/Materials Scientist

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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 have an opening for aChemist/Materials Scientistto support research activities associated with the development and deployment of optics used in laser systems including the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and other high power laser systems. As part of a multi-disciplinary team working in the Optical Materials S&T program in the NIF & Photon Science directorate, you will conduct experiments, help develop and implement chemical processes, and perform surface and materials characterization on projects that aim to advance the next generation of technology in optical materials fabrication, processing, coating, and finishing. This position is in the Optical Materials Group within the Materials Science Division.

This position will be filled at eitherlevel 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.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at eitherlevel 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 wet-chemistry laboratory experiments, including activities such as etching, coating, slurry preparation, bonding, thermal processing, and grinding & polishing.
• Identify necessary supplies; measure optical and material properties; operate, maintain, and commission laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Perform wet etching and chemical processing of optics in a clean room environment.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook; generate, organize, and analyze experimental data; and participate in research and project planning.
• Provide technical support to engineers and scientists in research and development projects.
• Develop, define and prepare operating procedures while maintaining laboratory safety standards.
• Prepare progress reports and presentations to supervisor/mentor and project teams.
• Serve as a key team member in cutting-edge optics research and development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Provide science-based engineering solutions or independent technical analysis to resolve moderately complex to complex technical issues.
• Select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to obtain results based on analysis of multiple factors.
• Collaborate on the development of technology in optical materials fabrication; perform research guided by multiple primary investigators.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience performing wet-chemistry processes or experiments in a general chemistry laboratory, industrial, or cleanroom setting.
• Experience performing optical or materials characterizations such as ellipsometry, spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, microscopy or interferometry.
• Experience using software packages to collect, analyze, and document scientific results.
• Organizational skills to maintain a safe laboratory and to keep datasets managed and accessible.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to document research results.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment as part of an inclusive and multi-disciplinary team.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Broad experience identifying, defining, and executing multi-disciplinary experiments or solving multi-disciplinary problems in a timely, cost-effective manner.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory operations or chemical/material process development and the ability to meet schedule deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with wet etch processes, thermal processing, and clean room protocols and associated equipment.
• Familiarity with optical fabrication or Chemical Mechanical Planarization processing, and characterization techniques, and associated equipment.
• Familiarity with materials and surface characterization tools (white light interferometry, indentation, particle size measurement, optical microscopy, profilometry, scanning electron microscopy).

Pay Range

$121,830 -$185,544Annually

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level

$146,340 - $185,544Annually for the SES.2 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe 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.

#LI-Onsite

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 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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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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.

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