Chemical Lab Technician

We have an opening for Chemical Lab Technician to work in the area of explosives synthesis, formulation, and characterization in the High Explosives Application Facility (HEAF). You will provide technical support to principal investigators and scientific and technical staff in explosives research and programmatic/experimental activities for surveillance and aging studies, physical, thermal, and chemical characterization, and detonation science to address programmatic and research and development needs in energetic materials. This position is in the Energetic Materials & Design group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division, supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

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

This position 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 

• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technical personnel to provide general technical support to various programmatic tasks and explosives research efforts, with an emphasis on the chemistry and characterization of high explosives.
• Characterize the physical, thermal, and chemical properties of explosives various techniques including, but not limited to, differential scanning calorimetry, combustion calorimetry, chemical reactivity testing, compositional analysis, particle size and morphology analysis.
• Contribute to operations with chemistry processing systems including grinding, sieving, formulation, synthesis, operation of analytical instruments, and hazardous waste management and fulfill duties such as room responsibilities and routine maintenance for instruments and labs.
• Prepare samples of explosives, polymers, and other materials, perform tests, record results, and communicate with colleagues and supervisors.
• Acquire, analyze, interpret, and report basic data results on projects involving formulation and characterization of explosives.
• Provide solutions to fundamental technical problems related to formulation and characterization of explosives.
• Conduct, coordinate, and document procedures and peer reviews.
• Perform work as an LLNL Explosives Handler, and routinely work hands-on with energetic materials of all types.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 504.3 level 

• Provide advanced technical support to resolve technical and programmatic issues.
• Acquire, analyze and may interpret moderately complex data and provide solutions to complex technical problems.
• Plan and select methodology and procedures to attain desired goals in routine activities.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. (if clearance is needed)
• Associate degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or Environmental Technology (or equivalent combination of education and experience) with some related experience.
• Basic understanding of chemistry and materials science with strong mechanical aptitude.
• Experience working with an experimental team and working effectively under conflicting and rigorous deadlines with general supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct chemistry support activities with a broad range of experience in experimental support, techniques, and execution including knowledge of safety rules and procedures.
• Handling and knowledge of chemicals in laboratory settings.
• Willingness to work with explosives, which requires the ability to deal with hazards inherent in explosives research in a responsible and efficient manner.
• Developed organizational and interpersonal skills to work with experimental teams with members from all disciplines. Ability to work on multiple projects while meeting programmatic deadlines and to work in a collaborative research and development environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, to present results verbally and through written reports.

Additional qualifications at the 504.3 level

• Basic understanding of chemistry, material science, and engineering with advanced specialized technical expertise in one or a few areas.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of LLNL programs in energetic materials or LLNL ES&H rules and regulations. Knowledge of and use of commercial instrumentation software.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.56 Hourly for the 504.2 level

$52.53 - $63.97 Hourly for the 504.3 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 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 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 a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet 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.

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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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