Senior/Principal R&D Laboratory Support Technologist - Active Ceramics, 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 a highly qualified R&D Laboratory Support Technologist to advance our understanding of active ceramics materials, with a focus on improving our electro-ceramics synthesis processes, characterizing their chemical properties, and quantifying their electro-mechanical performance.

You will be asked to work on a high-performance research and development team to perform materials research, process development, chemical and electrical characterization, and design and fabrication of electronic/active ceramic materials and devices. You will engage in project efforts that are highly collaborative and team oriented in nature, working directly with staff members, technologists, and production operators across centers.

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

• Develop ceramic powder synthesis and processing methods.
• Perform wet chemical synthesis.
• Develop ceramic fabrication and shape-forming techniques, sintering and densification.
• Execute ceramic materials and device characterization (chemical, electrical) techniques.
• Operate electro-mechanical testing equipment for materials and devices.
• Utilize LabVIEW and PC-based data acquisition software and techniques.
• Support of test systems integration and engineering.
• Coordinate and track the progress of multiple batches of material, record data electronically, and process information on unclassified and classified networks.
• Handle classified components appropriately, adhering to movement requirements, and following all security protocols.
• Fully support laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, coordinating facilities work, documenting safe work practices, and complying with security protocols.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

$74,700 - $144,400

*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.

• Bachelors Degree in STEM or related field, such as ceramics, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, electronics, mechanics, physics; or equivalent
• Experience with materials synthesis and characterization
• Experience with using and operating common materials and electromechanical testing equipment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance

• 2 or more years of experience working in a high security environment, like a national laboratory
• Creative problem solver that is pragmatic and comfortable working in a dynamic environment. A willingness to learn and continuously improve
• Experience with ceramic powder synthesis and powder processing, wet chemical synthesis for ceramics, ceramic fabrication and shape-forming techniques, sintering and densification, and ceramic materials and device characterization (chemical, electrical) techniques
• Use and operation of electro-mechanical testing equipment to characterize materials and devices
• Demonstrated knowledge of working safely with systems that have high voltage and high pressure hazards
• Knowledge and use of LabVIEW and PC-based data acquisition software and techniques
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and experience with creating and maintaining safety & security documentation
• Ability to collaborate with team members of diverse backgrounds for mutual mission success
• An active DOE Q clearance

The FENG and Tube Lifecycle Engineering Department (7584) is responsible for the design and development of Neutron Tubes (NTs) and Ferroelectric Neutron Generators (FENGs) for war reserve, laboratory, and field test applications of nuclear weapons. Within the department resides the active ceramics (AC) design agency (DA), which executes technical maturation (R&D), material development, production support, and sustainment for the ferro-electric materials used in nuclear weapons and for electro-ceramic materials used in other national security applications. Activity categories include identifying new electro-ceramic materials precursors, developing wet chemical and powder processing synthesis approaches, characterization (chemical, electrical) of electro-ceramic materials and their precursors, electro-ceramic material-based device design and fabrication, providing design and problem-solving expertise for AC Production and for neutron generator surveillancethe entire lifecycle. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and zinc oxide varistor materials are the foundation for active ceramic components that are critical to the enduring nuclear weapons stockpile. We work closely with the explosive technology organization and the local NG production agency. Department 7584 also partners with several multi-division teams including Nuclear Deterrence, Radiation and Electrical Sciences, the Neutron Generator Enterprise, Energetic Materials, Engineering Sciences, and Materials, Physics, & Chemical Sciences. By working together our department is flexible and resourceful, allowing us to contribute to our nations need for a reliable deterrent.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Sandia is required by DOE 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 obtain and 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.