High-Temperature Materials Analyst

High-Temperature Materials Analyst We have an opening for a High-Temperature Materials Analyst to support the LLNL Independent Diagnostic Scoring System (LIDSS) team. LIDSS provides cutting edge downrange diagnostics in support of DoD/DOE flight testing activities, and analysis products derived from test data. In this position, you will collect and interpret data during the testing of the thermal protection systems of high-speed vehicles. This position supports the Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) program within Strategic Deterrence (SD) and is administratively in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED), 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 will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. You will Contribute to and actively participate in the research and collection of optical, infrared, and other data associated with high-temperature materials testing. Research, study, and examine collected material data and analyze its performance under test conditions of interest. Develop, implement, validate, and document tools and processes to analyze datasets. Prepare, present, and explain technical briefings on analysis results to internal and external stakeholders. Interface with external contractors responsible for Thermal Protection System design and manufacture to understand underlying material properties and key topics of interest. Drive the development and fielding of new instrumentation to improve the quality and utility of data collection during tests. Collaborate and communicate with, deliver results to, and otherwise engage with others in a multidisciplinary team environment, including industrial and academic partners, project managers, and external sponsors, to accomplish research and analysis goals. Support flight testing activities in remote domestic and foreign locations for up to two weeks at a time. Perform other duties as assigned. Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level Apply advanced level knowledge of industry standard practices, providing opinions and recommendations, and exerting influence as necessary to influence project direction towards high-level success criteria. Coordinate project interfaces and collaborate with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory, serving as the primary technical point of contact on selected tasks and projects. Provide overall technical leadership, guidance, and direction to multidisciplinary project teams in research efforts and in executing projects and tasks, including state of the art developments and bringing research results to use, while balancing priorities of customers and partners to ensure deadlines are met. Mentor, advise, and provide guidance to junior team members. Qualifications: Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. PhD in Materials Engineering or a related scientific or technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience. Comprehensive knowledge of and broad experience with high-temperature materials, manufacturing processes, material characterization testing, and data analysis. Comprehensive knowledge of the structure and chemistry of common ablator materials. Experience and familiarity with fluid-structure interaction of said materials and high-speed flow, including boundary layer behavior, gas-surface interaction, heat transfer, and ablative shape change. Knowledge of and proficiency in the use and application of computer codes to model and perform high-temperature materials testing. Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate in a team environment and to present and explain technical information to non-expert stakeholders. Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level Demonstrated ability to scope, plan, and deliver on independent technical projects. Significant experience with leading, managing, and overseeing interdisciplinary teams, and delivering multiple projects on budget and schedule. Advanced verbal and written communication skills to present technical ideas/results, provide advice to management, and explain and engage with stakeholders, as demonstrated by a strong track record of publications and/or presentations. Qualifications We Desire Familiarity with ballistic reentry systems and associated thermal protection materials. Active Q or DoD Top Secret security clearance. Pay Range $146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level $175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Created: 2026-03-04