Senior Research Scientist, Advanced Materials

Lockheed Martin•Palo Alto, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Technology Center (ATC) is the research lab for Lockheed Martin Space. Through our own skills and those of our partners—including universities and research labs around the world—we’re able to put vision in motion. While we are a part of LM's space division, our technologies are far-reaching across domains. Napkin sketches of lasers that can shoot down UAVs—we made it real. Changing molecules so metals behave differently? We invented that. ATC’s story is written in the success of missions here on Earth and far, far into space. Our innovation extends beyond incremental change. We strive for first-of-a-kind capability with enduring impact. Whatever the application, our charter is to create game-changing technologies. At the ATC, we’re inspiring change in our endless pursuit of what’s next. We are seeking an experienced Materials Scientist to lead cutting edge research on advanced metallic alloys for high performance, extreme environment applications. The ideal candidate will combine deep expertise in alloy design, processing, and microstructural characterization. Some of your day to day responsibilities will include: --Conduct laboratory materials research focused on aerospace insertion, exploring new materials and technologies to enhance our products and capabilities. -- Develop and optimize processing routes (ball milling, spark plasma sintering, high‑pressure torsion, arc-melting, powder metallurgy) for novel alloy systems. -- Perform mechanical testing (tensile, compression, Charpy impact, hardness) and analyze data to correlate microstructure with properties. Ideal candidate has PhD or MS with 3 years of experience or BS with 5+ years of experience

Requirements

Experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in a R&D environment
Knowledge of materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, coatings, adhesives
Proficient in performing mechanical testing methods, including tensile, elongation, creep, and compression.
Hands on experience with powder metallurgy processes, sample metal potting techniques, heat treatments, brazing, and welding.
US Citizenship with the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Skilled in operating and maintaining metallurgy equipment such as rolling mills, welding stations, polishers, and metallography preparation tools.
Ability to develop, execute, and analyze test plans for a wide range of metallic materials, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and specifications.
Knowledge of refractory alloy behavior, performance and testing enabling accurate interpretation of test results for high temperature applications.
Familiarity with refractory metal processing
Familiarity with data acquisition and analysis software for mechanical property evaluation such CFD and Ansys Fluent
Experience in different non-destructive evaluation techniques
Knowledge in advanced microstructural characterization
Work experience leading project teams and independently resolving issues related to manufacturing, development, and failure analysis
Knowledge of laboratory material evaluation methods (mechanical, optical, surface chemistry, etc.)
PhD in materials science, engineering, or Metallurgical
Ability to obtain Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance

Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory materials research focused on aerospace insertion, exploring new materials and technologies to enhance our products and capabilities.
Develop and optimize processing routes (ball milling, spark plasma sintering, high‑pressure torsion, arc-melting, powder metallurgy) for novel alloy systems.
Perform mechanical testing (tensile, compression, Charpy impact, hardness) and analyze data to correlate microstructure with properties.