Material Science Technician 3

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a skilled technician for the Nuclear Material Processing group. The role focuses on metallography, material science, and actinide-related work.

You will operate arc melters, casting, rolling, polishing, and cutting equipment, and perform advanced microscopy for material characterization. You will work both independently and in teams, reporting results on time and within budget, with emphasis on safety, quality, and security in a nuclear research

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED with 4 years of lab, industrial, or high-hazard setting experience OR technical institute AA/2 years.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in related field (based on qualifications) and strong communication skills.
• Experience with radioactive materials and nuclear science/technology is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support metallography and material science tasks under supervision.
• Operate equipment including arc melters, casting, rolling, polishing, and cutting.
• Characterize materials using microscopy (SEM, EBSD, EDS, optical) and prepare TEM/APT samples.
• Collaborate with team to meet project timelines and safety standards.

Skills

Metallography

Material science

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma/GED with 4 years lab/hazard experience

AA degree or technical certificate with 2 years lab/hazard experience

Tools

Arc melters

Casting

Rolling

Polishing

Cutting

SEM

EBSD

EDS

FIB/SEM

Job description

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex,real-worldthreats to our nation and the world.

Responsibilities

The Nuclear Material Processing (NMP) group at PNNL is seeking a technician with expertise in metallography and material science to join a team of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers working to strengthen national security and advance nuclear science. The ideal candidate will have hands on experience in actinide and/or actinide surrogate metallurgical processing and operating research equipment/capabilities including arc melters, casting, rolling, polishing, and cutting. Additionally, the candidate should be familiar with typical solid material characterization tools including microscopy (SEM, EBSD, EDS, and optical microscopy), focused ion beam (FIB)/SEM for TEM and APT sample preparation. Experience working in radiological fume hoods and gloveboxes is desired but not required. The successful candidate will work under the direction of mid-senior team members to aid in various programs within the NMP group’s research. The candidate will work independently and in teams to complete recurring assignments, reporting results to the larger team on time and within budget. They will be expected to embrace quality, safety, and security in all aspects of the job.

Spans basic sample preparation (metallography) to advanced FIB/SEM preparation for techniques like TEM and APT. Synthesizes and studies the structures and physical/chemical properties ofvarious materials. Studies the structures of materials from atomic to large length scales andperforms short- and long-term characterization or testing of these materials to understand theirbehavior and determine ways to improve them or develop new materials with specific properties.Develops individual steps and combined processes for manufacturing, joining, finishing, treating,and strengthening materials.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED and 4 years of experience in a laboratory, industrial or high hazard setting -OR-
• Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 2 years of experience in a laboratory, industrial or high hazard setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A demonstrated ability to work individually and as a team member.
• Experience with radioactive materials and nuclear science/technology.
• Experience with metal casting operations.
• Experience with alloying and casting of actinide or actinide surrogate metals.
• Experience with microscopy techniques for materials characterization (SEM, EBSD, EDS, and optical microscopy).
• Experience using a FIB-SEM for sample preparation for TEM and APT analysis. Experience with radiological fume hoods and gloveboxes.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Radiochemical Processing Lab Cat 2 facility. The individual must be able/willing to work with hazardous chemicals and radioactivie materials in a nuclear facility.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

About PNNL

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, and flexible work schedules. 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.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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 [e-mail].

Drug Free Workplace

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.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7