Postdoctoral Appointee - Additive Manufacturing, Onsite

Postdoctoral Appointee – Additive Manufacturing, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is a nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee for Additive Manufacturing with a passion for innovative science and engineering in areas that span multi-scale additive manufacturing, soft/composite materials and synthesis, printed and flexible electronics, and co-design of precursors, materials, processes and devices. You will play a key role as part of a multidisciplinary team of electrical/mechanical/chemical engineers and material scientists who are working to develop future technologies and manufacturing processes required for next generation optical, electronic, and mechanical devices.

You will have opportunities to contribute across a spectrum of basic research and applied technologies, working from concept, design and simulation through fabrication and test.

• Conceptualize, design, fabricate and test additively manufactured devices using tools such as multiphoton lithography (e.g., Nanoscribe), DLP, SLS, SLA, aerosol jet, and direct write extrusion printing for use in heterogeneous integration, micro-optical devices, electronics packaging, non-planar electronics/power sources, metamaterials and micro-robotics.
• Develop and optimize material systems and process parameters for 3D printing.
• Develop and implement syntheses and processes for generating autonomous and environmentally responsive sensors.
• Develop and demonstrate printable devices that integrate multiple functionalities.
• Collaborate across disciplines with other internal organizations as well as academic and industrial collaborators.
• Publish original research in high impact journals and conference proceedings.
• Support development of proposals for new programs with co-workers as well as contribute to creation of new research ideas.
• Document and deliver results and report findings to co-workers, customers, and the broader scientific community.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Relocation will be provided for those that qualify.

PhD in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field must be conferred within 5 years prior to employment.

Possess a record of productivity and innovation, as evidenced by peer‑reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, presentations and/or issued patents.

Familiarity with mechanical design and additive instrumentation, electronics and testing.

You can obtain and maintain a DOE L clearance.

We realize that no one will have all the background we desire, so any subset of these skills could make you a candidate for the project, especially if you want to grow in these areas through your own skill development and through collaborations:

• Experience with multiphoton lithography materials and instrumentation.
• Experience in coding, machine learning, simulation software, and opto‑mechanical design and drawing (e.g., Solidworks).
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as microreplication, embossing, flexography/gravure, screen printing, semiconductor manufacturing, and printed circuit boards.
• Experience with chemical and materials lab practices.
• Experience with materials characterization including optical and electron microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, spectroscopy.
• Experience with software programming and instrument control.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills as needed to work successfully in a team environment.

The Advanced Materials Laboratory (AML) is a department within the Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center at Sandia National Laboratories and is co‑located at the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The AML conducts research and development to meet a wide range of specialized applications for national security, energy/climate, and nuclear deterrence enabled through partnerships with government, industry, and academic institutions.

Technical expertise and focus in the AML…