R&D Engineer

Overview

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned at the higher level. This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The Materials Characterization & Metallography team is seeking a highly motivated Materials, Metallurgical, or Mechanical R&D Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2) to support laboratory-based metallography and materials characterization activities in support of national security programs.

This role centers on the preparation, analysis, interpretation, and documentation of metallographic examinations for programmatic and research efforts. The selected candidate will generate clear, defensible technical reports that support decision-making across a range of mission-critical activities. The primary product of this position is high-quality, timely technical documentation based on microstructural characterization and related analyses.

You will work closely with scientists, engineers, technicians, and program stakeholders to execute metallographic examinations, interpret results, and communicate findings effectively. Responsibilities include specimen preparation (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching), optical microscopy, microstructural evaluation in accordance with applicable standards, and preparation of formal technical reports.

A major focus of this role is balancing technical rigor with schedule and scope requirements. The selected candidate must exercise sound engineering judgment to ensure analyses are appropriate to the request and aligned with programmatic needs. This position requires collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, adherence to laboratory safety and quality requirements, and support of milestone-driven deliverables.

R&D Engineer 1 — The successful candidate will:

• Perform metallographic specimen preparation and characterization in accordance with established laboratory procedures and applicable ASTM standards.
• Analyze microstructures using optical microscopy and, as applicable, SEM and related techniques.
• Prepare clear, concise, and technically sound reports summarizing observations, analyses, and conclusions.
• Manage assigned tasks to meet scope, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Apply engineering judgment to ensure analyses are appropriately scoped and aligned with programmatic needs.
• Continuously develop technical expertise in metallography, materials characterization, and related disciplines.
• Assure safety and security compliance, maintain required training, and integrate safety and security into every task.
• Contribute to the completion of milestones associated with specific projects and directly contribute to the achievement of programmatic objectives.
• Take responsibility for understanding tasks and own contributions to deliverables, set direction and goals for assigned tasks, and manage their own assignments.
• Work is performed under general technical guidance, with objectives defined and results subject to supervisory review.

R&D Engineer 2 — In addition to the duties at the lower level, the successful candidate will:

• Independently plan and execute metallographic examinations for complex materials and components.
• Exercise advanced judgment in determining appropriate characterization techniques and analysis scope.
• Lead well-defined tasks involving multiple contributors and ensure delivery of reports within schedule and budget constraints.
• Mentor junior staff in metallographic techniques, report preparation, and scope management.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of laboratory processes, documentation standards, and technical practices.
• Provide peer review of reports and technical products.
• Completed work is subject to supervisory review; the candidate may provide technical coordination and guidance to others.

R&D Engineer 1 —

• Materials & Metallography Foundations:
  Basic understanding of materials science and metallurgical principles, including microstructure-property relationships.
• Hands-On Project
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience with metallographic specimen preparation and microstructural characterization through coursework, internships, or professional experience.
• Technical Writing:
  Demonstrated ability to prepare clear and organized written technical documentation.
• Effective Communication:
  Proven ability to articulate ideas effectively through both oral and written communication.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q Clearance.
• Ability to obtain HRP.
• Ability to become Glovebox Operator (GBO).
• Ability to become Fissile Material Handler (FMH).

R&D Engineer 2 —

Additional requirements:

• Demonstrated experience independently performing metallographic analyses and preparing formal technical reports.
• Experience applying ASTM and other relevant standards in materials characterization.
• Ability to define analysis scope appropriate to programmatic needs.
• Experience mentoring junior staff or…