Cleared Early Career Materials Scientist - Auger Electron Spectroscopy Capability Owner, 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://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking an R&D Materials Scientist to work in the Surface Analysis Lab. The primary responsibilities of this role are to provide expert-level analysis, advance the science of materials characterization techniques, and serve as a key team member of research and development programs.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Conduct materials characterization using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), stylus profilometry, and/or optical microscopy to determine sample surface. properties such as surface composition, surface roughness or feature analysis.
• Plan, conceive, conduct, and/or lead research and development for Sandia's customers and sponsors.
• Perform materials characterization, data analysis and interpretation, statistical error analysis, and information extraction, and then formally detail results for customers.
• Design and conduct systematic investigations to deepen the understanding of the fundamental properties of materials, working collaboratively with others, and convey findings and analyses through reports, presentations, and meetings.
• Develop new techniques and capabilities, with a focus on Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM).
• Initiate, design, develop, implement, and evaluate new processes, products, or systems through basic and applied research.
• Undertake development and possible technology transfer of solutions, products, principles or technology.
• Undertake creative work, making systematic use of investigation or experimentation, and use this knowledge to develop new characterization methods and/or further the state of the art in fundamental materials.

Due to the nature of this role the selected applicant needs to be able to work onsite.

$102,400 - $199,700

*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
• Active DOE Q clearance or Equivalent

The ideal R&D S&E Materials Science candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

• Graduate degree in Materials Science or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation)
• Experience in a research and development environment.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques.
• Experience working on teams consisting of multidisciplinary and multi-disciplinary experimentalists, modelers, and theorists with a common goal.
• Effective interpersonal skills for giving presentations, preparing reports, writing articles, and explaining the important aspects of technical work to customers.

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:

• An understanding of the scientific method and experimental procedures
• Skill and knowledge in one or more areas of physics, chemistry, computer science, materials science, lasers, optics, engineering, radiation, microelectronics, semiconductors, or biology
• Experience applying analytical and computer skills
• Experience operating and interfacing with data acquisition systems
• Knowledge of utilization of materials characterization instrumentation to measure and observe physical phenomena and effects.
• Experience with equipment trouble shooting and coordinating repair with equipment service engineers
• Experience with writing and using equipment calibration procedures
• Experience using data analysis and image processing tools (such as MATLAB)
• Ability to conceptualize and communicate major elements of experimental design and results and to represent to other staff, management, and visitors, the scientific and engineering principles being investigated or developed
• Experience and demonstrated skill in conducting research, investigating anomalies and alternative solutions, and recommending solutions on problems
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conferences
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance, as well as collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to write operating procedures, methods of analysis, and laboratory procedures
• Experience working directly with ND customers
• Experience working with and handling classified material
• Experience working with vendors and arranging purchasing and maintenance contracts
• 3 or more years demonstrated experience performing AES analysis
• 3 or more years demonstrated experience performing LSCM analysis
• 3 or more years demonstrated experience performing XPS analysis

The Materials Characterization & Performance Department supports Sandia by developing and applying a breadth of analytical techniques to assess the structure, composition, and properties of materials. We serve our customers by helping them understand material behavior and performance, develop improved materials for specific components and applications, as well as develop lifetime performance predictions for materials. By applying a breadth of techniques, including spectroscopic and diffraction techniques, light and electron microscopy, metallography, surface analysis, chemical analysis, and contaminant analysis, we provide materials understanding and solutions for: engineering components and structures, failure analysis of all types of materials, and research projects across a wide customer base. We serve the entire corporation in their material analysis needs and frequently other federal agencies and industry. We also act as a gateway to materials characterization capabilities within and outside of Sandia. We take pride in owning, maintaining, and utilizing to the fullest extent the best instrumentation available anywhere.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.