Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Chemistry and Materials Science Technologist/Senior Technologist . This position may require occasional overtime and travel. You will provide general technical support for new and ongoing programmatic activities, working independently or with team members to perform equipment setup, operation, maintenance, and system testing. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, experimental execution; data collection and management; handling hazardous, radioactive, and other materials and wastes; equipment setup and operation; and general troubleshooting and maintenance in support of new and ongoing programmatic experiments, while practicing good housekeeping in work and office areas. Tasks may require the use of a respirator. This position is in the Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation Section (MNDE)/Plastics Group within the Engineering Directorate/Materials Engineering Division (MED).

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

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 

• Provide solutions to moderately complex technical problems under general supervision.
• Provide general technical analysis and/or processing support for chemical and materials sampling, sample preparation, analysis, and characterization.
• Maintain and operate thermal analysis and mechanical test equipment, including gloveboxes and/or fume hoods.
• Maintain system documentation and experimental records, including analyzing data, keeping a laboratory notebook, preparing data summaries, and identifying and resolving problems.
• Demonstrate general skills and knowledge of chemistry and materials science technologies and processes, including interpreting and using laboratory equipment.
• Follow and adhere to written operational and safety procedures in accordance with ES&H, security, and other Laboratory requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the 504.3 level 

• Provide advanced solutions to complex technical problems under minimal supervision.
• Apply advanced skills and knowledge of technologies to interpret requirements and processes, and to identify and analyze results.
• May have technical lead authority and responsibilities, including setting priorities, schedules, and requirements.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate’s degree in chemistry, materials science, engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Elementary understanding of chemistry, materials science, and engineering technologies as applied to specific applications.
• Intermediate-level skills and experience operating chemistry, materials science, and shop equipment.
• Knowledge of maintaining and calibrating scientific instruments and performing measurements.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with personal computers and Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Additional qualifications at the 504.3 level

• Basic understanding of chemistry and materials science technologies as applied to specific applications.
• Advanced skills and experience operating chemistry and materials science equipment.
• Experience maintaining and calibrating scientific instruments and performing measurements.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience working with HEPA systems, hoods, and gloveboxes.
• Experience with computer-aided design and with MATLAB, Minitab, KaleidaGraph, Origin, or similar programming/data analysis software.
• Experience wearing respiratory protection equipment.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 504.2 level

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 504.3 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.  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.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.