Temperature Materials Analyst

High-Temperature Materials Analyst –
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Join the LLNL Independent Diagnostic Scoring System (LIDSS) team to support cutting‑edge down‑range diagnostics for DoD/DOE flight testing. In this role, you will collect and interpret data during testing of thermal protection systems for high‑speed vehicles and provide analysis products derived from test data.

Pay Range
U.S. DOE Q‑level clearance required. $140,700 – $214,032 annually (range varies by SES level). See details below.

Job Description
As a High‑Temperature Materials Analyst, you will support the Weapon Technologies and Engineering program within Strategic Deterrence and be administratively assigned to the Defense Technologies Engineering Division.

• Contribute to and actively participate in the research and collection of optical, infrared, and other data associated with high‑temperature materials testing.
• Research, study, and examine collected material data and analyze its performance under test conditions of interest. Develop, implement, validate, and document tools and processes to analyze datasets.
• Prepare, present, and explain technical briefings on analysis results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Interface with external contractors responsible for Thermal Protection System design and manufacture to understand underlying material properties and key topics of interest.
• Drive the development and fielding of new instrumentation to improve the quality and utility of data collection during tests.
• Collaborate and communicate with multidisciplinary teams, including industrial and academic partners, project managers, and external sponsors, to accomplish research and analysis goals.
• Support flight testing activities in remote domestic and foreign locations for up to two weeks at a time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Apply advanced knowledge of industry standard practices to provide opinions and recommendations, influencing project direction toward high‑level success criteria.
• Coordinate project interfaces and collaborate with internal and external organizations, serving as the primary technical point of contact on selected tasks.
• Provide overall technical leadership, guidance, and direction to multidisciplinary project teams in research efforts and project execution.
• Mentor, advise, and provide guidance to junior team members.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in Materials Engineering or a related scientific or technical field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of high‑temperature materials, manufacturing processes, material characterization testing, and data analysis.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the structure and chemistry of common ablator materials.
• Experience with fluid‑structure interaction of these materials and high‑speed flow, including boundary layer behavior, gas‑surface interaction, heat transfer, and ablative shape change.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in the use and application of computer codes for modeling and performing high‑temperature materials testing.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate in a team environment and present technical information to non‑expert stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to scope, plan, and deliver on independent technical projects.
• Significant experience leading, managing, and overseeing interdisciplinary teams while delivering multiple projects on budget and schedule.
• Advanced communication skills to present technical ideas/results, advise management, and engage stakeholders with a strong track record of publications and/or presentations.

• Familiarity with ballistic reentry systems and associated thermal protection materials.
• Active Q or DoD Top Secret security clearance.

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor.
• Flexible benefits package.
• 401(k).
• Relocation assistance.
• Education reimbursement program.
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs).
• Values:…