Welding​/Brazing; R&D Scientist

What You Will Do

In this role, you will contribute to cutting‑edge research and development in high energy density welding, arc welding, brazing, and solid‑state joining technologies that support critical national security and scientific missions. You'll work on complex, real‑world challenges ranging from weld distortion and residual stress to process optimization, leveraging both experimental and computational modeling approaches. We are looking for a scientist with a strong foundation in solidification metallurgy and a passion for applying scientific and engineering principles to develop innovative, practical solutions.

This position offers the opportunity to lead impactful R&D efforts, support production across the NNSA complex, and drive improvements in welding and joining processes. You will collaborate with a wide range of partners, including internal programs in weapons, alternative energy, and global security, as well as external collaborators across universities, industry, and other national laboratories. This is a highly visible role with opportunities to influence both research direction and mission outcomes.

Sigma Division specializes in manufacturing science and metallurgical processes, supporting experimental programs at Los Alamos. The Welding & Joining team works closely with other technical groups to solve complex manufacturing challenges and deliver high‑quality prototype and limited production components. Our work spans a broad range of materials—from hydrogen to uranium—and includes both unclassified and classified efforts. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and lead multiple research projects, communicate results to diverse stakeholders, and play a key role in securing funding through proposals and work packages.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated scientist to grow into a technical leader while contributing to nationally significant work.

• Demonstrated expertise in solidification metallurgy, with the ability to serve as a technical lead in this area.
• Proven experience leading research and development activities in one or more of the following: high energy density welding, vacuum furnace or induction brazing, and semi‑automatic or manual arc welding.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or significantly contribute to proposal development efforts, particularly for innovative welding solutions addressing complex technical challenges.
• Experience working in integrated, cross‑disciplinary teams to design, develop, and fabricate experimental assemblies aligned with customer or programmatic needs.
• Strong record of technical writing, including authorship or significant contribution to peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience mentoring junior staff, postdoctoral researchers, or students in research and/or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and security, including maintaining required training and integrating safety and security practices into all work activities.

Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post‑doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

• Active Q Level clearance
• Experience in any of the following areas: arc welding (gas tungsten or gas metal arc welding), brazing, solid state welding, other welding/joining methods, is desired, but not required.
• Experience with weld evaluation including destructive testing and mechanical testing.
• Familiarity with non‑destructive testing, visual inspection, and metallurgical characterization techniques.

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with…