Materials Characterization Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Material Technology and Energy Division at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking skilled scientists and engineers to support research, development, and deployment of advanced materials and energy technologies that enable national security, environmental management, and clean energy missions across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex. The division leads innovation in materials characterization, corrosion science, manufacturing technologies, energy storage systems, hydrogen and tritium materials behavior, and applied materials development.

• Conduct research, experiments, modeling, or engineering design related to materials characterization, materials performance, corrosion, energy systems, or applied materials science.
• Develop and evaluate advanced materials, coatings, manufacturing processes, or energy technologies aligned with SRNL’s mission in national security, clean energy, and environmental stewardship.
• Perform laboratory studies, computational analyses, mechanical testing, thermal evaluations, or chemical/materials assessments to support technology development and qualification.
• Collect, interpret, and document technical data in reports, presentations, and publications for internal teams, external collaborators, and DOE sponsors.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including materials scientists, chemists, engineers, modelers, and operations personnel.
• Support scale‑up, prototyping, and field demonstration of emerging materials technologies or energy systems.
• Ensure all work is executed safely and in accordance with SRNL, DOE, and regulatory requirements.
  Participate in proposal development, strategic planning, and sponsor engagement to grow SRNL’s materials and energy research portfolio.
• Maintain current knowledge of emerging materials technologies, new analytical tools, manufacturing innovations, and energy system advancements relevant to division missions.
  

Work may occur in laboratories, materials testing facilities, pilot-scale environments, computational analysis settings, or office locations. The division spans experimental, analytical, and applied engineering domains. SRNL supports comprehensive training, professional development, and career growth for early-, mid-, and senior-career researchers and engineers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, energy engineering).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct materials research, laboratory experimentation, computational analysis, or applied engineering work.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to SRNL’s strong safety culture and rigorous operational standards.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance for which U.S. citizenship is legally required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in materials characterization (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, mechanical testing), corrosion science, additive manufacturing, hydrogen materials interactions, or energy system development.
• Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools, data analytics, finite element analysis, or materials informatics.
• Experience in DOE laboratory environments, national security programs, or highly regulated technical facilities.
• Record of technical publications, patents, or significant contributions to R&D projects.
• Experience with project leadership, proposal writing, or technical integration across disciplines.

Security Clearance Information
This position will require selected candidate to be able to obtain a DOE Security Clearance.
BSRA is required by DOE to conduct a pre‑employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, criminal records, and employment history, and education verifications. Positions with BSRA require applicants to have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L or Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Factors such as pre‑employment background review results, dual citizenship status, and unpaid and/or unfiled taxes may impact your ability to obtain a security clearance. This list of factors is not exhaustive; pre‑employment information and security clearance requests are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.

"We put science to work!"

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi‑program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high‑value, cost‑effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation’s environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce.

Some of the *Benefits offered to employees include:

*Benefits vary based upon employment status

• Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
• Short- & Long‑Term Disability (company paid)
• Life Insurance Non‑Contributary 1X salary (company paid)
• AD&D Non‑contributory 1x salary (company paid)
• Savings & Investment plan:
• Qualified Non‑Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
• Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (5 yrs. vesting in company match)
• Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
• Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Plan
• SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the "About" tab at www.srnl.doe.gov .

BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. Please email us at SRNLRecruiting@srnl.doe.gov with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.

SRNL’s Environmental & Legacy Management (ELM) Directorate closely collaborates with the Department of Energy (DOE) and site contractors to develop, mature, and apply science and technology needed to resolve environmental challenges and advance legacy management missions. As the lead laboratory for Environmental Management (DOE-EM) and Legacy Management (DOE-LM), SRNL applies our talent and expertise to develop and deploy innovative approaches and technologies to reduce risk, cost, and schedule of environmental cleanup and nuclear material processing. Additionally, ELM is using our competencies to develop new materials and processes for a range of clean energy applications.

• Job Identification 2035
• Job Category Engineering and Science
• Degree Level Bachelor's Degree
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Savannah River National Laboratory
• Job Location Onsite
• Work Schedule AA: Straight Days (Mon-Fri), 9 Hours