Welding​/Brazing; R&D Scientist

Position: Welding/Brazing (R&D Scientist 2)
** What You Will Do*
* The Sigma Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Research and Development Scientist to join our Welding and Joining team-a dynamic group at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and materials science.

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.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

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* + 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.

** Education/

Experience:

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* 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.

** Desired

Qualifications:

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* + 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.

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* Work Location:

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

** Position…