Research Materials Engineer

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 multiple openings for Research Materials Engineers to work on a variety of projects. You will collaborate with a team of engineers and scientists who process, design, and characterize materials for eventual use in national security applications. Specifically, you will apply analytical methods to study materials with unique properties and/or develop advanced manufacturing techniques. These positions are in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate. This position requires significant on-site presence due to the nature of the work. These positions 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 research and development in one or more of the following areas: materials processing, material modeling, microscale material testing, or materials characterization. Design, implement, and analyze moderately complex techniques in one or more of the areas listed above. Organize, analyze, and present data from research. Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of research to address defined problems. Pursue independent, but complementary, research interests and interact with a broad range of scientists and engineers, both internally and externally to the Laboratory. Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals. Publish research results in internal reports and peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals, and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings. Perform other duties as assigned. Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level Independently resolve technical objectives and criteria to satisfy project objectives and execute appropriate technical approaches. Apply advanced technical knowledge and methodologies to guide the successful completion of project and organizational goals, serving as the primary technical contact on tasks and projects. Collaborate with technical area leaders, project leaders, and program management to represent technical capabilities and project results to internal management and external sponsors. Ability to obtain and maintain a US DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Comprehensive knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: material formulation, additive manufacturing/3D printing, finite element analysis, and material characterization. Demonstrated ability as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution. Proven ability to develop independent research projects, as evidenced by publications or presentations to a technical audience. Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information clearly. Strong initiative and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment. Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level Significant experience working effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment. Experience using standard project management practices and a proven ability to meet schedules and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with varying priorities. Experience leading project teams, demonstrating proficiency in interpersonal interactions and the ability to solve problems as they arise. Qualifications We Desire Master’s or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Experience with analytical and computational modeling and simulation, and data analysis. Experience with material characterization and mechanical testing, rheology, or designing material processing systems. Experience with programming languages such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, and C/C++. Experience designing CAD and assembling hardware for standard and automated systems, with a skill set in mechatronics and automation. Pay Range $146,340 - $222,564 Annually $146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level $175,530 - $222,564 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.  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 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 Security Clearance This pos