Leidos is seeking a Material Scientist to join our team in Albany, OR to work with a distributed, multidisciplinary team on the cutting edge of high-temperature hydrogen attack of carbon and low-alloy steels and advanced novel alloys for hydrogen applications.  The candidate should possess knowledge of and practical experience with conducting research on alloy development for hydrogen-fueled applications.  The position will be 100% onsite research and development support for the National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) R&D facility in Albany, OR. This work will involve a multi-disciplinary, scientific, and technically-oriented national laboratory team, participation alongside other data scientists, engineers, geologists, and computer scientists that produces technological solutions for America’s energy challenges. From developing creative innovations and efficient energy systems, to advancing technologies that produce, transport, and utilize hydrogen and other fuels, NETL research is providing breakthroughs and discoveries that support home-grown energy initiatives, stimulate a growing economy, and improve the health, safety, and security of all Americans.

What this opportunity with Leidos supporting NETL uniquely provides you:

Working on applied, cutting-edge projects with global impact while being mentored by the nation’s leading energy scientists and engineers.Real-world experience supplemented with technical development and discussions that provide unique insight into the broad range of mission critical engineering and scientific disciplines NETL leverages to support national energy research and policy development.Unique access to world-class, customized facilities specific to high impact energy research, technology generation, and patent development.Participation in novel fundamental and applied alloy development with direct economic impact on national and global energy infrastructure.

Primary Responsibilities:

Characterize microstructures using advanced techniques (SEM, XRD, EBSD, TEM).Perform high-temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA) tests on steels and nickel-based alloys.Evaluate compositions and schemes of new HTHA-resistant alloys from computational simulation results.Perform mechanical testing and phase stability studies of new alloy concepts.Perform heat treatment trials to optimize the grain size in the as-aged microstructures in high-carbon-containing alloys.Write technical reports outlining results of lab testing.

Required Education, Experience and Other:

Masters degree in Material Science and Engineering or related field with 2+ years related experienceExperience characterizing microstructures of structural materials using advanced techniques (SEM, EDS, XRD, EBSD, TEM and potentially EPMA)Ability to produce technical reports, journal articles, prepare and present at professional conferencesUnderstand processing-microstructure-property relationships in nickel and iron-based alloysKnowledge of deformation of materials, with emphasis on hydrogen embrittlementKnowledge of environmental interactionKnowledge of phase formation in alloysKnowledge of mechanical properties and testing of steels and nickel-based alloys, especially for evaluating hydrogen embrittlement and attackExcellent oral and written communication skillsAbility to work independently and with minimum supervision, and ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with a variety of expertiseMust be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering or related field.Background in alloy design and development with emphasis on steels.Experience with characterization of structural materials (microstructure, grain structure, phase identification, deformation).Knowledge of hydrogen embrittlement and other hydrogen/material interactions.Experience with data analysis relating processing-microstructure-property relationships for structural materials.Excellent record of peer-reviewed quality publications with emphasis on microstructure characterization in nickel and iron alloys, potentially hydrogen environments. 

Salary Range for this position is: $95K to $100K

Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.

We're the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don’t wear capes (they’re a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for “how it’s always been done.”

Original Posting:August 4, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $85,150.00 - $153,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.