High-Temperature Materials Analyst

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

$140,700 - $214,032

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

$168,780 - $214,032 Annually for the SES.3 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.

We have an opening for a High-Temperature Materials Analyst to support the LLNL Independent Diagnostic Scoring System (LIDSS) team. LIDSS provides cutting edge downrange diagnostics in support of DoD/DOE flight testing activities, and analysis products derived from test data. In this position, you will collect and interpret data during the testing of the thermal protection systems of high-speed vehicles. This position supports the Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) program within Strategic Deterrence (SD) and is administratively in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED).

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

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

• Contribute to and actively participate in the research and collection of optical, infrared, and other data associated with high-temperature materials testing.
• Research, study, and examine collected material data and analyze its performance under test conditions of interest. Develop, implement, validate, and document tools and processes to analyze datasets
• Prepare, present, and explain technical briefings on analysis results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Interface with external contractors responsible for Thermal Protection System design and manufacture to understand underlying material properties and key topics of interest.
• Drive the development and fielding of new instrumentation to improve the quality and utility of data collection during tests.
• Collaborate and communicate with, deliver results to, and otherwise engage with others in a multidisciplinary team environment, including industrial and academic partners, project managers, and external sponsors, to accomplish research and analysis goals.
• Support flight testing activities in remote domestic and foreign locations for up to two weeks at a time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Apply advanced level knowledge of industry standard practices, providing opinions and recommendations, and exerting influence as necessary to influence project direction towards high-level success criteria.
• Coordinate project interfaces and collaborate with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory, serving as the primary technical point of contact on selected tasks and projects.
• Provide overall technical leadership, guidance, and direction to multidisciplinary project teams in research efforts and in executing projects and tasks, including state of the art developments and bringing research results to use, while balancing priorities of customers and partners to ensure deadlines are met.
• Mentor, advise, and provide guidance to junior team members.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• PhD in Materials Engineering or a related scientific or technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and broad experience with high-temperature materials, manufacturing processes, material characterization testing, and data analysis.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the structure and chemistry of common ablator materials.
• Involvement and familiarity with fluid-structure interaction of said materials and high-speed flow, including boundary layer behavior, gas-surface interaction, heat transfer, and ablative shape change.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in the use and application of computer codes to model and perform high-temperature materials testing.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate in a team environment and to present and explain technical information to non-expert stakeholders.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Demonstrated ability to scope, plan, and deliver on independent technical projects
• Significant experience with leading, managing, and overseeing interdisciplinary teams, and delivering multiple projects on budget and schedule.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to present technical ideas/results, provide advice to management, and explain and engage with stakeholders, as demonstrated by a strong track record of publications and/or presentations.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity with ballistic reentry systems and associated thermal protection materials
• Active Q or DoD Top Secret security clearance

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best 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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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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.

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