Job Information
Leidos Computational Materials Scientist in Morgantown, West Virginia
Description
We are seeking a Research Scientist to join our team in Morgantown, WV to conduct and development of cladding and specialized, high-temperature sensing materials for use on single crystal optical fiber for application in distributed sensing for energy-related applications such as boiler exhaust, heat recovery steam generators, gas turbines, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Expect 20% travel to our Pittsburgh, PA office in South Park.
Sapphire fibers are superior in chemical and temperature resistance (> 1700°C), compared to silica, whose useful temperature range tops out near 500°C-1000°C. Therefore, sapphire optical fiber with cladding will have application to a much greater range of sensing in harsh fossil energy power generation environments. One potential application is multipoint temperature sensing inside a boiler exhaust duct, or on a boiler wall near the burner. Such multipoint temperature sensing would provide much greater detail of temperature distribution to increase efficiency and reduce component damage. Multiple temperature points would provide additional process knowledge for other systems including SOFC, chemical looping combustion, and modular gasification.
High temperature applications such as boilers, fuel cells, and gas turbines can improve their operation through more accurate temperature measurement and in-situ monitoring of relevant gas species. Single-crystal sapphire optical fibers ultimately will exhibit a far greater operational range than silica-based fibers but are very limited in application today due to lack of a durable optical cladding. The cladding is necessary for the light guiding properties of the fiber to be maintained when the fiber is in contact with other materials or is subject to surface contamination.
Various fiber cladding methods for single crystal fibers have been reported in the published literature; however, none have become a commercially available product. Several other candidate cladding materials exist based on high temperature stability and thermodynamic stability in contact with sapphire. Sol-gel processing is a flexible and low-cost coating method for deposition of various candidate oxide cladding and sensing layers for single crystal fiber.
Primary Responsibilities:
Apply sol-gel dopant materials using a sol-gel process.
Operate, modify, and test an experimental Laser Heated pedestal Growth System to produce new type of single-crystal optical fibers.
Automate the Laser Heated pedestal Growth System and submit design change to engineering to enhance production of single-crystal optical fibers.
Perform Labview programming to incorporate new automated features and capabilities.
Perform optical system alignment and upkeep of optical components in a laser heated pedestal growth system.
Perform functional tests of new clad single crystal fibers including numerical aperture measurement, transmission, and temperature resilience
Polish, connectorized, and test single-crystal optical fibers for use.
Assemble optical fiber probes in the lab for use with distributed temperature sensing systems.
Perform field tests with experimental optical sensor systems.
Characterize the performance of fibers and relevant coatings at high-temperature under application-relevant gas exposure.
Investigate the performance of other materials identified through literature reviews.
Develop reel-to-reel fiber coating and manufacturing facilities for the most promising cladding candidates.
The candidate will provide general R&D support to NETL-LRST Advanced Sensors staff. The candidate will participate in group meetings to discuss current research and promote discussion with fellow researchers. The candidate should be proficient in creating PowerPoint presentations.
The candidate will interface extensively with customers and potential collaborative partners.
Required Education, Experience & Other:
Advanced degree (PhD) with 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience and a strong theoretical background in general physics, optics, and materials technology.
Experience with crystal growth processes.
Experience with automated instrument control and data acquisition systems (e.g. LabView, Matlab).
Experience with thin film deposition and characterization
Experience with fiber optics and laser systems
Experience in evaluation of coatings using materials science microanalysis instruments (e.g. SEM, XPS, XRD).
Experience in performance testing of coatings using the various techniques in conjunction with UV, visible, and near-infrared spectroscopy measurements.
Demonstrated ability to author high quality research publications.
Experience with laser heated pedestal growth systems.
Expert Labview Developer or Labview programming expertise
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus.
Preferred Qualifications:
Background in oxide/ceramic materials development.
Experience with sol-gel coating processes for thin films.
Experience with analyzing fibers as small as 1 micron diameter using electron probe micro-analyzer.
Original Posting Date:
2024-06-24
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 $101,400.00 - $183,300.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.
REQNUMBER: R-00138230
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.