Chief Materials Scientist: Magnetic Materials & Quantum Tech

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 274,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rockstar Rewards

Flexible work schedules

Medical insurance

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a Chief Materials Scientist to lead the technical direction of magnetic materials for energy, electronics, and quantum technologies. You will drive research from fundamental physics to scalable manufacturing, emphasizing rare-earth strategies and magnetic composites.

The role combines strategy, leadership, and hands‑on innovation, mentoring teams and shaping programs with industry and government partners to meet DOE and sponsor goals.

Qualifications

• BS/BA or higher with extensive relevant experience in magnetic/functional materials.
• Advanced degrees with demonstrated research impact in magnetic systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary research programs and cross-organization collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Expand established reputation and develop technical approaches to solve challenges.
• Provide strategy, technical leadership, and expertise in magnetic materials research.
• Advance mine-to-magnet and mine-to-metal-to-device workflows for critical material supply chains.
• Lead metallurgy processing and critical materials recovery initiatives.
• Shape future programs in collaboration with industry, academia, and government.
• Build high-visibility programs aligned with DOE and stakeholder goals.
• Mentor junior scientists and guide growth and safety culture.
• Advocate for strategic equipment acquisitions and capability growth.
• Translate stakeholder needs into funded research programs.
• Communicate findings through publications and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

magnetic materials

functional materials

electrification technologies

advanced manufacturing processes

Education

BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant experience

MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant experience

PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience

Job description

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a Chief Materials Scientist to lead the technical direction of magnetic materials for energy, electronics, and quantum technologies. You will drive research from fundamental physics to scalable manufacturing, emphasizing rare-earth strategies and magnetic composites.

The role combines strategy, leadership, and hands‑on innovation, mentoring teams and shaping programs with industry and government partners to meet DOE and sponsor goals.