Material Characterization Scientist
Niskayuna, NY, US
Niskayuna, NY, US 
2026-07-29 01:34:06
Engineering & Science
About Us
Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!
Job Description
The Materials Characterization Scientist will be responsible for advanced materials characterization, with a focus in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Work includes supporting complex programs, in both research and production support for microstructural analysis. The individual will be managing equipment in technical laboratories, including supporting equipment of the SEM, be responsible for laboratory operations, including equipment oversight and compliance with safety and radiological requirements. The successful candidate will collaborate with a cross-functional workgroup to develop and apply new methods, drive innovation, and execution high quality work including analysis, meticulous documentation, technical reporting, and communicating findings to multidisciplinary teams.
Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill
Preferred Skills
• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Ceramic Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field
• Familiarity with additional materials characterization tools (e.g., Focused Ion Beam(FIB), Microprobe, Wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS), X-ray Florescence (XRF), hardness testing)
• Experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), or Nuclear Navy programs
• Advanced data analysis experience related to analytical materials characterization
• Experience with failure analysis and quality assurance of production or design issues.
• Experience in radiological environments
• Background in production, engineering, or practical experience supporting fleet operations
• Familiarity with ceramics, metallic alloys, and other materials relevant to nuclear environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary technical initiatives or projects
• Demonstrated proficiency with electron microscopy techniques, including measurement and analysis
• Strong understanding of material structures, materials characterization methods, and physical chemistry
• Experience working in a laboratory or research environment, preferably in an applied engineering context
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with capability to prepare technical reports
Compensation and Benefits
- Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
- Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
- 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
- Personal & Medical Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
- Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Wellness Program
- Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!
Pay Range
Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.
All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.
Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.