Description

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like

The Applied Optical and Plasma Sciences Team is seeking a highly motivated scientist to design, develop, build, and operate a variety of targeted cleaning diagnostics in support of mission deliverables. The successful candidate will join a high-performing multi-discipline team and contribute to a key aspect of Sandias Advanced Science & Technology and Nuclear Deterrence missions. Two main aspects of the position include developing new measurement capabilities for characterizing surfaces and cleanliness and supporting material and process maturation for a wide array of Mission Portfolios. Candidates for this role will be expected to present and communicate results at project meetings, workshops, and topical conferences.

On any given day, you may be called upon to:

• Work with a diverse team to design, develop, and implement novel cleaning methodologies and characterization tools for unique and emerging material systems.
• Demonstrate a commitment to investigative problem solving and a strong desire to learn.
• Exhibit attention to detail, critical thinking, good lab practices, and awareness for lab safety.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team, ensuring successful project execution and communication of objectives and progress to stakeholders.
• Interact frequently with results-oriented staff members, technologists, safety personnel, facilities, and service engineers.
• Gain mastery over the design, development, maintenance, and operation of a range of experimental equipment.
• Make important contributions in support of the Department's growing research activities.

Occasionally travel to partner laboratories and/or attend conferences to present results and network across the scientific field. Due to the nature of the role, this candidate must be able to work onsite.

Salary Range

$87,400 - $168,800

*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Qualifications We Require

• Bachelors degree in chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, physics, or relevant science, technology, or mathematics (STEM) field, OR equivalent (8 years relevant experience)
• Experience with design or development of surface cleaning or characterization processes and methodologies
• Experience in operation of laboratory instrumentation including both hardware and software to perform data collection and analysis supporting surface characterization including dry electropolishing, contact angle goniometry, and force tensiometry

Qualifications We Desire

• Ability to complete rigorous training,
• Knowledge or experience with one or more of the following skills, interests, or aptitudes:
  • Keyence imaging system
  • Python for software development
  • MATLAB or other programming language to process, analyze and display data.
• Ability to learn and master new techniques as needed.
• Effective interpersonal and oral/written communication skills and the flexibility for effective participation in teams. Results-oriented and self-motivated.
• Ability to work independently and self-sufficiently with high reliability and attention to detail as part of a larger team effort.
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects demonstrating good time and organizational skills.

About Our Team

The Applied Optical and Plasma Sciences department operates as a nexus of multidisciplinary experts leveraging fundamental science to address mission-focused needs. We create new capabilities using data science, models and simulation, and diagnostic instruments. The team's range of scientific expertise encompasses multiple disciplines including material interactions and characterization, optical diagnostic development, plasma science, RF signatures, data ontology development, and thermal performance of materials and interfaces. Department personnel lead and collaborate on project teams with departments and sponsors across multiple Centers and Divisions

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance

Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.