Senior Materials Scientist: AI-Driven Defense Materials

Idaho National Laboratory (INL); Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 114,000 - 281,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer contribution

Relocation package

Tuition assistance

PTO

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking an experienced Materials Scientist, Materials Engineer, or Metallurgist at the Ph.D. or M.Sc. level to join the MSM department in Idaho Falls.

The role focuses on materials performance, qualification, and advanced manufacturing, with opportunities to integrate AI, ICME, and modeling into materials development. A leadership path guides proposals and program growth. The position supports defense-focused programs, requires DoE clearance eligibility, and

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in Materials Science/Engineering or related field with ABET accreditation; Level 4 requires 6 years post-M.Sc. or 4 years post-PhD; Level 5 requires 8 years post-M.Sc. or 6 years post-PhD.
• Level 5 requires PhD or equivalent experience and senior leadership capabilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE 'Q' clearance; US Citizenship is required.
• 4+ years leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience with defense programs and the DoW.
• Experience managing programs with budgets ≥ $20 million.
• Knowledge of AI in technical areas and materials qualification/certification processes (MIL-STD/AMS/ISO/ASTM).
• Proven track record delivering projects on time and on budget; strong stakeholder communication.
• Experience in structure/property characterization and advanced materials development.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualification and certification programs for armed services operations and manufacturing.
• Head multidisciplinary teams; write proposals and secure funding for programs.
• Develop new programs in advanced materials and contribute to strategic planning.

Skills

AI for materials

Digital engineering

ICME

Modeling & simulation

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

ABET-accredited degree (M.Sc./Ph.D.) in Materials Science/Engineering

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking an experienced Materials Scientist, Materials Engineer, or Metallurgist at the Ph.D. or M.Sc. level to join the MSM department in Idaho Falls.

The role focuses on materials performance, qualification, and advanced manufacturing, with opportunities to integrate AI, ICME, and modeling into materials development. A leadership path guides proposals and program growth. The position supports defense-focused programs, requires DoE clearance eligibility, and