What You Will Do
M-6 is seeking a qualified Research Technician to join our team. The Explosive Applications and Special Projects (M-6) Group within Dynamic Experiments (M) Division conducts research that studies the initiation and performance of high explosives (HE) through mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic mechanisms. Our areas of expertise include non-shock initiation of HE, HE-driven pulsed-power, special energetic materials, and special security projects in service to the Laboratory and nation and other national security areas. We also develop and perfect the use of state-of-the-art diagnostics tools to collect and analyze data. Such tools include PDV, radiography, high-speed photography, and a variety of precision sensors that measure very short-duration, high-speed changes in temperature, pressure, and position. This complex work requires motivated, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious technicians to support field work activities, such as:
Preparing and maintaining supplies, equipment, and facilities during shot preparation and cleanup
Fabricating, testing, and assembling experimental components
Supporting the assembly and setup of diagnognostics equipment in laboratory and field settings
We are looking for a highly motivated technician to assist with these activities.
The successful candidate will:
Maintain laboratories and experimental facilities, e.g., orderliness, cleanliness, coordination of craft work, site preparation, site clean-up, and waste management.
Build and assemble cables and other mechanical and electrical supplies; set-up various types of diagnostic and recording equipment including oscilloscopes, cameras, pin/switch circuits, fiber optics, temperature control circuits, etc.
Assist team members in the preparation of parts and assemblies for test setups.
Work with explosives, chemicals, radioactive materials, cryogens; work with and near class 4 lasers, pressurized systems, energized electrical equipment, pulsed-power systems, radiography equipment; and operate hand-operated power tools and heavy equipment.
Record procedures, equipment, and parameters used in technical work. Capture and analyze findings and data. Collaborate with the experimental team to develop preliminary interpretation of results, summarize outcomes, and plan next stages of technical work.
Work with line, program and facilities personnel as appropriate for the conduct of the technical work.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Sound knowledge and understanding of work hazards, safety practices, and security risk; experience identifying, mitigating, and avoiding risk.
Demonstrated experience working to a set of defined requirements and regulations; capable of interpreting and following policies and procedures.
Demonstrated experience maintaining workplace readiness, e.g., performing inventory, procuring supplies, maintaining orderliness and cleanliness, ensuring equipment operability and facility preparedness.
Demonstrated experience in the areas of mechanical/electrical assembly skills using basic hand and power tools.
Demonstrated experience performing basic equipment troubleshooting and repair.
Proficiency with basic computer programs such as Word and Excel.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to assume responsibility and work independently with a high degree of accuracy.
Demonstrated experience working in a team environment with the ability to meet deadlines and deliverables.
Education/Experience: 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.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience handling hazardous materials such as chemicals, radiological materials, or explosives.
Experience with assembling and detonating explosive shots
Qualified energized electrical worker.
Experience and/or current licensing for operating large trucks and heavy equipment such as forklifts, tractors, loaders, etc.
Knowledge in programming or software applications used in R&D job environments.
Experience operating diagnostics equipment such as lasers, radiography equipment, high speed cameras.
Experience with data acquisition equipment (oscilloscopes/digitizers, delay generators, thermocouples, and pressure sensors).
Active DOE Q.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Color discrimination, peripheral vision, depth perception, binocular vision, reading vision, distance vision; ability to speak, ability to discriminate speech, ability to smell, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz); sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, twisting the trunk or back, balancing, reaching overhead, reaching horizontally, reaching down; applying torque with hands or arms, gripping with the hand, pressing with hands or arms, pushing with hands or arms, pulling with hands or arms, fine motor control, use of both hands, use of both arms, use of both legs, use of both feet, lifting 20 pounds, carrying 20 pounds.
Work Environment: Outdoors, exposure to wildlife, in a hot or cold environment 5 - 100 F, in a wet or humid environment, in a noisy environment, under unusual lighting conditions; near sources of ionizing radiation, near sources of non-ionizing radiation, with weapons or explosives, with vibrating equipment/machinery, near machinery with moving parts, toxic chemicals, irritant chemicals, dusts or powders, fumes, carcinogens; wearing face shield or facial protection, wearing mask or respirator, use of hearing protection, wearing gloves or hand protection, wearing safety shoes or protective footgear; operation of motor vehicles, operation of specialized heavy equipment; working alone, working overtime or irregular schedule, domestic and international travel possible.
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.
Note to Applicants: Please include a resume & cover letter detailing how you meet the listed required and desired skills, qualifications, and experience of the position.
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.
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 [email protected] or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.