Plutonium Metallurgist- Active Clearance Required

We are seeking a Metallurgist to lead the planning and execution of projects that enable world-class metallurgy research and development in the Superblock Plutonium Facility. By assessing stakeholder needs and applying their materials processing and characterization expertise, the successful candidate will define technical requirements for state-of-the art instrumentation and oversee advanced equipment upgrades. This role will manage recapitalization and renovation projects in plutonium and radiological laboratories, ensuring that new capabilities comply with nuclear safety and security requirements, and are delivered on schedule and within budget.

Essential duties

• With an advanced understanding of plutonium processing and aging challenges, collaborate with subject matter experts in physics, chemistry, and metallurgy to translate requirements into technical specifications for analysis instruments that can be installed and deployed in a Nuclear Facility.
• Define and document instrument and equipment specifications to meet programmatic and experimental needs in metallurgy and materials science, ensuring selected technologies meet maintainability, repairability, and reliability requirements.
• Determine how plutonium characterization throughput can be increased 4x in 10 years through the use of novel techniques, equipment upgrades, practical applications of automation, optimized glovebox/laboratory design, and other workflow improvements.
• Coordinate activities between engineering, operations, maintenance, procurement, and safety teams for programmatic equipment installation projects, ensuring alignment with project schedules and budgets.
• Work closely with facility safety disciplines (e.g., fire protection, electrical safety, radiation protection, industrial hygiene) to identify and plan controls for hazards associated with new metallurgical processes and equipment.
• Lead at least one major plutonium characterization campaign per year to maintain scientific expertise and remain intimately connected to operational and technical challenges. Devise solutions to these challenges.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Current Certified or Senior Certified Fissile Material Handler qualification with experience mentoring scientists and engineers in safe nuclear materials operations.
• M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering or a closely related discipline and relevant experience working in a DOE Nuclear Facility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in the execution of plutonium metallurgy or characterization campaigns, with successes documented in reports and presentations.
• Experience shepherding projects successfully through the Nuclear Materials Change Control Process.
• Experience developing Work Control Documents for fissile material processing activities in a nuclear facility as a Responsible Individual.
• Proficient interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff within a collaborative environment.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $222,564 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; 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.

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

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 position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire. 

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 use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

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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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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