Materials Scientist​/Engineer - Advanced Materials Processing and Digital Infrastructure - Clearance Required

We have an opening for a Materials Scientist/Engineer to lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes, data infrastructure, and inspection technologies that accelerate R&D workflows and support programmatic objectives. You will work at the intersection of materials science, process engineering, data systems, and experimental validation, providing technical leadership on complex, high-visibility efforts that span multiple organizations and stakeholder groups.

You will direct technical strategy for advanced manufacturing initiatives, coordinate multi-site collaborations, and serve as a primary technical contact for projects that support Laboratory mission focus areas and sponsor priorities. This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or an active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.

A master's degree in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Significant experience leading or contributing to advanced materials processing projects, with the ability to work independently and apply creative and innovative approaches.

Subject matter expertise in one or more of the following areas: advanced manufacturing processes, polymer additive manufacturing, process engineering, materials characterization, inspection technologies, or experimental validation methods.

Experience directing technical strategy and developing solutions to highly complex problems requiring in-depth analysis of multiple tangible and intangible factors.

Ability to coordinate complex technical efforts with multidisciplinary teams across organizational boundaries and serve as the primary technical contact when representing approaches and outcomes to management and stakeholders.

Advanced knowledge of and experience integrating data systems, software tools, or digital workflows to support experimental or manufacturing environments.

Advanced communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively present information and provide advice to management, as well as experience mentoring technical personnel.

• Lead the technical execution and strategic direction of advanced manufacturing process development, inspection technology maturation, and data infrastructure initiatives that support multiple programs and organizational objectives.
• Develop and implement innovative technical approaches that integrate experimental processes, inspection systems, and data management platforms to solve highly complex problems with long-term strategic impact.
• Direct technical tasks and influence the technical direction of self and others, exercising independent judgment to determine optimal methods, techniques, and implementation approaches.
• Coordinate complex technical efforts and lead working groups across LLNL, partner sites, sponsors, and external collaborators. Resolve conflicting requirements and prioritize work in support of programmatic milestones and long-term objectives.
• Serve as the primary technical contact and subject matter expert for advanced manufacturing capabilities, inspection workflows, and data systems. Provide strategic technical advice to multidisciplinary teams and recommendations for equipment and capability upgrades.
• Architect and deploy data management tools and software platforms that improve traceability, enable rapid analysis, and support programmatic decision-making across manufacturing operations.
• Represent LLNL capabilities and technical outcomes to management, sponsors, and stakeholders through presentations, technical briefings, publications, and proposal development activities.
• Mentor early-career personnel in process engineering, experimental methods, data systems, and technical integration, helping to develop team capabilities and promote knowledge sharing.
• Apply advanced characterization techniques and materials analysis through experimentation, collaboration with technical experts, and integration of scientific literature and experimental methods.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Expert-level experience with polymer additive manufacturing processes, including direct ink writing (DIW) or related material extrusion techniques.
• Experience developing and implementing on-machine inspection systems, computer vision applications, or in situ process-monitoring technologies for manufacturing.