Materials Scientist Jobs

In this role, you will: Contribute to the development in new materials, including chemical, physical, mechanical, structural, thermal, and optical properties, and characterize glasses, crystals, ceramics, coatings, and other optical materials used in laser and optical systems. Work under general direction following established procedures to inspect installed optics for optical damage and obtain samples for off-line metrology and materials analysis. Participate in the wet-bench processing of optics and samples, including cleaning, etching, surface preparation, and application of treatments to optical components. Apply characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopy, microscopy, surface characterization, optical metrology, and other relevant methods, and analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical, computational, and data-analysis tools. Participate in the opto-mechanical assembly, including precision optical bonding and related component-integration activities. Perform other duties as assigned. Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level Contribute to research on the interaction of materials with light, including optical absorption and laser-induced damage, Characterize material failure mechanisms associated with mechanical stress, environmental exposure, processing defects, and optical damage. Under limited direction, synthesize coating materials for specialized optical and laser applications, and establish and maintain operating procedures for assigned laboratory equipment, exploring a variety of approaches within established methods. Prepare patents and peer-reviewed publications, both internally and externally. Serve as an Instrument Owner for assigned laboratory equipment, and prepare technical reports, experimental plans, procedures, and presentations.

Qualifications: We DesireMaster of Science degree in Materials Science or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Experience with optical inspection, optical-damage assessment, and off-line metrology of installed or test optics. Experience operating, maintaining, or serving as an Instrument Owner for laboratory equipment. Strong analytical skills, including data interpretation, experimental design, uncertainty assessment, and use of modeling or data-analysis tools. Experience developing and applying techniques relevant to materials science. Experience with optical coatings and coating-performance evaluation. Experience developing standard operating procedures, laboratory work instructions, calibration plans, and equipment qualification records. Record of publications, patents, presentations, or other technical contributions in materials science or laser technology. Demonstrated experience characterizing the chemical, physical, mechanical, structural, and optical properties of materials, and developing, synthesizing, processing, or improving optical materials, including knowledge of laser-material interactions, laser-induced damage, thermal effects, optical absorption, scattering, and material failure mechanisms. Pay Range $121,830 - $185,544 Annually $121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level $146,340 - $185,544 Annually 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. This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates. 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