Research Materials Engineer

Job Description

We are looking for Research Materials Engineers to work on a variety of projects in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate. You will collaborate with a team of engineers and scientists to process, design, and characterize materials for use in national security applications. This role involves applying analytical methods to study materials with unique properties and developing advanced manufacturing techniques.

On‑site presence is required.

• Conduct research and development in materials processing, modeling, microscale testing, or characterization.
• Design, implement, and analyze moderately complex techniques in the above areas.
• Organize, analyze, and present research data.
• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research projects.
• Pursue complementary research interests and interact with scientists and engineers internally and externally.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to achieve research goals.
• Publish results in internal reports, peer‑reviewed journals, and present at conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Resolve technical objectives and criteria to meet project objectives.
• Apply advanced technical knowledge to guide project and organizational goals, acting as primary technical contact.
• Collaborate with technical area leaders, project leaders, and program management to represent technical capabilities and results to internal management and external sponsors.

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a DOE Q‑level clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge in material formulation, additive manufacturing/3D printing, finite element analysis, or material characterization.
• Experience as an innovative experimentalist with experimental design, techniques, and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to develop independent research projects, evidenced by publications or presentations.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration.
• Strong initiative and interpersonal skills in a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Significant experience working effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience using standard project‑management practices and meeting schedules for multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience leading project teams and solving problems as they arise.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a related field or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience with analytical and computational modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
• Experience with material characterization, mechanical testing, rheology, or designing processing systems.
• Programming proficiency in LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, and C/C++.
• Experience designing CAD and assembling hardware for standard and automated systems, with mechatronics and automation skills.

$146,340 – $222,564 per year (overall range). $146,340 – $185,544 for SES 2 level. $175,530 – $222,564 for SES 3 level.

Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

• 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)

Requires DOE Q‑level clearance. All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q‑level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing 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.

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.