Chemical Lab Technician

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world‑changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi‑domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow.

With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

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.

• 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 using 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.

• 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…