Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Nuclear Materials Research Technician (Research Technician 3/4) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Nuclear Material Science Group (MST-16) is seeking Research Technicians to support plutonium and other actinide materials science research. The successful candidates will provide technician support in one or more of the following areas: metallography, electron microscopy, materials characterization, materials synthesis and processing, materials properties measurements, surface science, and dynamic testing. Once trained, technicians will work under supervision and within established procedures, processes, requirements, or specifications to perform work on a variety of tasks and projects. Technicians will conduct technical work in the laboratory space or work area with responsibilities that may include preparing small scale samples for analysis, operating, and maintaining equipment, executing experiments, and other activities supporting MST-16 programs. These activities will typically require working in a glovebox in a radiological environment and, in some cases, the use of a respirator.
This position will be filled at either the Tec 3 or 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional skills are required if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Research Tec 3 ($63,200 - $99,000)
Candidate must have hands-on experience with hand and power tools (such as screw drivers, wrenches, calipers, pliers, etc.), machine shop tools (such as mills or lathes), or scientific equipment.
Ability to perform assigned tasks thoroughly to completion with a high attention to detail and limited supervision.
Ability to quickly learn new skills/techniques and adapt to changing environments.
Ability to work well in a team environment toward the accomplishment of common goals and interact effectively with peers and management.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans and Laboratory requirements and maintain required training.
Basic knowledge of and experience in computer systems and applications.
Ability and willingness to follow safety and security procedures.
Ability to obtain Q-clearance, which normally requires U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to obtain Human Reliability Program certification.
Research Tec 4 ($69,500 - $110,300 )
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, requirements at this level include:
Knowledge or experience related to metallography, electron microscopy, materials characterization, materials processing and properties measurements, mechanical and dynamic testing, surface science characterization techniques, and/or maintenance of scientific equipment.
Ability to work independently and initiate work.
Ability to perform non-routine tasks, exercising independent judgment.
Education/Experience:
Research Technician 3: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Research Technician 4: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience operating analytical equipment, e.g. optical microscopes, electron microscopes, hardness testers, helium leak detectors, optical profilometers, X-ray diffractometers, X-ray photoelectron/Auger/time-of-flight spectrometers, etc.
Experience operating machining equipment, e.g. mills, lathes, saws.
Experience maintaining and troubleshooting vacuum, gas, and pressure systems in a research environment.
Experience in performing or supporting scientific experiments.
Experience in preparation and analysis of small samples for materials science analysis, e.g. cutting, mounting, cleaning, grinding, polishing, etching, etc..
Qualifications or training related to working in nuclear or radiological facilities.
Experience performing routine glove box activities with radioactive materials.
Note to Applicants : For full consideration, applications should submit a detailed cover letter addressing all minimum and desired requirements of the job listed above.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Standing, use of both hands and arms, and fine motor control.
Work Environment : Work near sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position Commitment : Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 2 years.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
Dental and vision insurance
Free basic life and disability insurance
Paid childbirth and parental leave
Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
Onsite gyms and wellness programs
Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements : To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
HRP : This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2 : This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
New-Employment Drug Test : The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position : Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants : Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity : Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2.