Senior​/Principal Laboratory Support Technologist - Thermal Mechanical Characterization, Onsite

Senior/Principal Laboratory Support Technologist - Thermal Mechanical Characterization, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

Extraordinary co-workers

Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

* These benefits vary by job classification.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly productive and collaborative team at Sandia National Laboratories.

We are seeking an R&D Laboratory Support Technologist to join our polymer materials characterization and mechanical testing team. The successful candidate will primarily work with staff members and other technologists to use a broad range of techniques to characterize key properties of organic materials (encapsulants, adhesives, gels, underfills, conformal coatings, composites, etc.).

• Perform materials characterization, including thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)) and rheological testing
• Conduct mechanical testing using universal testing machines to execute both (1) standard measurements, such as modulus and strength of materials and structures, and (2) novel test designs to resolve specific questions about materials or complex structures
• Design and execute structural response tests to compare materials and processing techniques, and/or validate material models
• Perform basic organic chemistry, simple polymer synthesis, and formulation optimization
• Adapt, design, modify, repair, maintain, and calibrate instrumentation; augment existing instrumentation or develop new apparatus and accessories as mission needs require
• Perform basic laboratory and equipment maintenance, follow safety protocols, and support general laboratory stewardship such as ES&H and security responsibilities, maintaining work-control documentation, managing property, coordinating instrument calibration and repair, and occasionally coordinating building-related activities with Facilities personnel
• Initiate and lead small research projects or work packages; plan experiments and deliver results with minimal supervision
• Contribute to multiple concurrent research programs and cross project collaborations; coordinate technical activities with internal and external stakeholders
• Handle and manage chemicals and engineered materials safely in accordance with hazardous materials procedures and ES&H requirements (e.g., fume hood use and proper labeling/storage)
• Work in a dynamic small team environment and manage time according to work demands

The polymer materials characterization and mechanical testing team performs leading-edge materials research while also providing materials engineering support to a broad client base, including nuclear weapons programs, satellite payloads, and other…