About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA Jobs.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

This role supports research and testing at the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL). You will prepare samples, run data-collection using physics and X‑ray instrumentation, support method development, and report results to technical teams.

• Performs material characterization (microscope imaging, density, rheological and mechanical tests)
• Prepare and assemble test samples and test articles per specifications
• Operate explosive detection systems (EDS) and analytical physics instruments (computed tomography, X‑ray fluorescence, X‑ray diffraction, etc.) to collect data
• Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, and method development on EDS and analytical instrumentation
• Safely handle explosive and other hazardous materials according to procedures
• Analyze, compile, and report data for R&D and quality control testing events
• Develop and use code (MATLAB, Python, R) to process and analyze data
• Compose and review technical reports, test plans, and standard operating procedures
• Perform literature reviews and support other duties as assigned

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Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering, physics, or another core science (required)
• Up to five years of relevant laboratory, instrumentation, or testing experience (entry-level through early career)
• Hands-on experience or coursework with material characterization techniques
• Experience with or aptitude for X‑ray/CT instrumentation, XRF/XRD, or similar analytical equipment
• Proficiency with data tools: MATLAB, Python, R and Microsoft Office suite
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal and listening skills
• Attention to safety, detail, and documented procedures

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Clearance & Background

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance and Department of Homeland Security suitability is required. Employment is contingent on successful background checks and eligibility to access controlled facilities and materials.

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Working Conditions & Travel

• Full‑time, on-site responsibilities at TSL/testing facilities; typical business hours with occasional need for off‑hours availability for critical events
• May require travel up to 25%
• Little to no supervisory responsibilities; work under supervision of project leads or senior scientists

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Compensation & Other Details

• Estimated pay (from source): $89,616 per year — actual pay and benefits will be set by the Confidential Client and determined by experience and internal pay practices. Careertakes encourages candidates to ask about total compensation and benefits during the hiring process.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.