Materials Scientist 1

At a time when complex environmental problems are emerging on every front, the Nuclear Sciences Division's staff, capabilities, and facilities are delivering science and technology innovations for the environment, as well as for energy and national security needs. Our diverse work addresses a wide range of national and international challenges, from providing solutions that protect the health of people who must work in hazardous environments, to developing durable new materials, streamlining industrial processes for improved productivity and effectiveness, and delivering new approaches for environmental cleanup. Nuclear Sciences Division capabilities and efforts are focused in three key areas including Environmental Health and Remediation, Nuclear Regulatory, and Nuclear Energy.

The Reactor Materials and Mechanical Design Group operates lab spaces dedicated to metallography, microscopy, mechanical property testing, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) testing.  This job posting seeks an applicant with a desire to oversee and contribute to day-to-day research activities within the SCC labs.  These lab spaces house 16 high temperature water stress corrosion tests systems and 5 chloride salt stress corrosion test systems.  These are state-of-the-art systems used to obtain quantitative data on time to crack initiation and crack growth rate in realistic environments.  These systems were designed and built in-house - only a few other labs in the world have similar capability.  We are seeking a candidate to take responsibility for operation of these labs and to contribute to associated research activities.  Highlights of the job duties include:

• Set up and operate SCC test systems where specimens are exposed under an applied load to a corrosive environment.  These are complex test systems that will foster an in-depth understanding of corrosion behavior of metals, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and pressure systems.  Substantial hands-on training will provided.
• Perform routine maintenance of these test systems, including but not limited to rebuilding pumps, maintaining electrical wiring, and maintaining high pressure plumbing.
• Contribute to test system design modifications that improve data quality, test system reliability, and/or allow for other types of testing to be conducted.
• Contribute to the development of other corrosion or stress corrosion testing approaches.
• Contribute to materials science activities including but not limited to:  assisting in acquisition of materials to study, material preparation activities, specimen preparation activities, post-test specimen examinations, analysis of test data, and contributing to creation of reports and journal publications.
• Manage one or more technicians working in the same labs.  The technicians will assist in test system operation, maintenance activities, material preparation activities, specimen preparation activities, and post-test specimen examinations.

General responsibilities include:

• learning and operating a variety of specialized technical equipment
• developing creative solutions for technical issues and challenges in a timely fashion to ensure project success
• working with scientists, technicians, and collaborators in conducting research in a safe and secure manner
• complying with all applicable policies, standards, subject areas, and permits
• conducting work in conformance with approved activities, practices, and procedures
• performing work effectively, efficiently, and to the quality required by the customer
• completing tasks assigned by project managers
• documenting work and processing data acquired from testing
• assisting in reporting of research and meeting deadlines
• expanding their own expertise and taking an active role in career development
• self-motivating attitude
• good communication and teamwork

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA or higher

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. in Materials or Mechanical Engineering with hands-on experience conducting mechanical tests on metals
• The ideal candidate will understand concepts such as stress and strain, mechanical design, and basic electric circuit principles as well as having significant education and interest in metals testing.

Complexities related to the position, working environment, special challenges, etc.:

• Laboratory work will be performed in PNNL laboratory facilities and involves working with high temperatures (≤400°C) and pressures (≤3200 psi), and selected hazardous chemicals (alcohols, degreasers, lubricants).
• Position will occasionally work hours beyond normal working schedules including evenings and weekends.

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation.  Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Salary : $70,900 - $104,200