What You Will Do
Sigma Division is seeking qualified applicants for a research technologist. The Sigma Complex is a unique prototyping and fabrication facility that specializes in providing material, components, and manufacturing science to the Los Alamos experimental programs. The experimental mission spans the US nuclear weapons program, DOD, work with universities, Intelligence Agencies, and many other customers. As part of this mission, Sigma Division works with a broad range of materials from stainless steel and aluminum to special materials such as ceramics, uranium, and beryllium.
You will work in a highly collaborative team environment, interfacing routinely with other Sigma Division staff as well as deployed personnel (Industrial Hygiene, Health Physics, Shipping, Facility Operations) to complete program objectives. You will work with various systems to mechanically test materials of interest, including using existing systems and designing/procuring new systems to meet specific experimental objectives. Daily operations will require understanding and application of mechanics, mechanical design and construction, and experimental control and data acquisition. You will communicate results through oral and written reports to a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technicians, and technologists. Organization skills and working in a team-based environment are required to achieve these goals.
You will be responsible for:
Working with experienced personnel to maintain and operate mechanical test systems and equipment.
Assembling fixtures and equipment.
Mechanical testing of materials.
Working with deployed personnel to keep safety documents up to date and establishing new safety procedures/documents when needed.
You will interface directly with staff scientists in carrying out collaborative work and communication of results, both verbally and in writing.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
1-2 years experience with mechanical systems.
Written and oral communication skills, including 2-3 years experience with office software tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Motivated to be a self-guided learner of new techniques and concepts under the supervision of more experienced personnel.
Willingness to work with radioactive materials and other hazardous materials in a rigorous safety environment.
Ability to acquire a Q-clearance, which almost always requires US citizenship.
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation
Desired Qualifications:
In addition to what was outlined in the minimum job requirements, desired qualifications include:
Knowledge and demonstrated experience in design, construction, testing, and operation of mechanical systems and equipment.
Knowledge and demonstrated experience in mechanical testing of materials such as compression, tension, fatigue, and Charpy impact testing.
Experience in performing specification, procurement, assembly, modification, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): applying torque with hands or arms, good hand eye coordination and fine motor control, lifting and carrying 30+ pounds, working with hazardous materials, and domestic travel.
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, your application must include a resume. A cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills is also recommended.
Work Environment
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 1 year.
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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg1-pgchg) for additional information.
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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) 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 or preference, 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 [email protected] or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.