Overview

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 X-ray Diffraction Scientist will be responsible for performing materials characterization at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in support of the United States Navy. Primary duties include conducting X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, analyzing structural data, and interpreting results to inform material selections, production engineering processes, and fleet applications. The successful candidate will collaborate with materials scientists, production engineers, and fleet support teams to solve complex challenges and enhance the performance of materials used in demanding naval and nuclear environments. Meticulous documentation, technical reporting, and an ability to communicate findings to multidisciplinary teams are essential aspects of this role. Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience; or Currently a Senior Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field (RPCO) Engineer at the Company. Preferred Skills • Experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense, or Nuclear Navy programs • Familiarity with additional materials characterization tools (e.g., SEM, TEM, EDS, hardness testing) • Advanced data analysis experience, including software for XRD data interpretation • 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 • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Metallurgy, Ceramic Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field • Demonstrated proficiency with X-ray diffraction techniques, including measurement and analysis • Strong understanding of crystal structures, materials characterization methods, and phase identification • 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 $95,700.00 - $149,600.00 annually 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