High Explosives R&D Technologist 2/3
- Req. Number: IRC133256
- Organization : Q-5/High Explosives Science and Technology
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 2 or Research Technologist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Research Technologist 2 $92,300 - $151,000
High Explosive Science & Technology (Q-5) Group, serves the Laboratory and nation by providing the knowledge base in high explosives (HE) testing for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other national security areas. The group specializes in a broad array of energetic materials science including development (synthesis and formulation) and testing of novel explosives, pilot plant production of explosive materials, advanced manufacturing of explosives, analytical chemistry of explosives and explosive ingredients, thermal and mechanical characterization of neat explosives and their formulations, detonation performance testing, and special security projects.
Group Q-5 is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented experimentalist to work alongside a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and technologists in the development and execution of LANL mission-relevant projects involving the manufacturing and processing of high explosives and their formulations. The selected candidate will provide experimental support in a range of high explosive manufacturing operations including but not limited to: chemical synthesis, mixing, pressing, pilot plant synthesis, and formulation scale-up. A range of analysis will also be performed, from characterization of the fundamental ingredient properties (chemical purity, particle size, viscosity, density, surface free energy) to the final formulated product (bulk density, compositional analysis, microscopy). The ideal candidate is careful and methodical, and will prioritize the production of high quality data and material, while abiding by all required safety practices.
Research Technologist 3 $101,700 - $168,200
In addition to what was outlined for Research Technologist 2, at this level the candidate will assist in method development and lead experimental campaigns. The candidate will also contribute to scientific reports and proposals, as well as mentor junior staff members.
This posting is under the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Engineering (ALDW).
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Knowledge
Knowledge of how to use and apply scientific methods and creative problem solving with the application of fundamental chemistry, physics, materials science, and/or engineering principles.
Laboratory Experience
Demonstrated experience in chemical laboratory skills including guided synthesis, materials mixing, filtrations, and powder handling. Demonstrated experience operating standard laboratory instruments as well as mid-scale glass reactors, mixing vessels, temperature regulation equipment, and pressure systems. Established understanding of the analysis and characterization required to assess the manufactured materials.
Teamwork and Communication Skills
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment as well as the ability to work independently, with initiative to plan, implement, and successfully complete long-term projects. Strong communication skills and the willingness to present and discuss research results among peer group.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 50-lbs and/or move materials above 50-lbs with the appropriate equipment. Respirator training and certification also required.
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 3:
Experimentation Skills
Demonstrated expertise in designing, planning, and executing complex laboratory experiments. Proven experience with the scale up of chemical processes and the use of production equipment (i.e. large reactors (at least 5 - 10 kg batch sizes), filtration equipment, process control systems, and Process Analytical Technology tools).
Additional Communication and Presentation Skills
Demonstrated ability to effectively present and communicate research results, in the form of oral presentations and publications/reports. Proven ability to work independently to solve complex technical problems. Prior experience in mentoring and training junior-level peers.
Research Technologist 2 Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preferred degrees: Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or related degree.
Research Technologist 3 Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preferred degrees: Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or related degree.
Desired Qualifications:
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.
Note to Applicants: Interested applicants are required to apply online and upload a cover letter and resume. The cover letter must address the candidate experience and provide specific details on all of the job requirements and desired qualifications.
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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 2 or Research Technologist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Research Technologist 2 $92,300 - $151,000
High Explosive Science & Technology (Q-5) Group, serves the Laboratory and nation by providing the knowledge base in high explosives (HE) testing for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other national security areas. The group specializes in a broad array of energetic materials science including development (synthesis and formulation) and testing of novel explosives, pilot plant production of explosive materials, advanced manufacturing of explosives, analytical chemistry of explosives and explosive ingredients, thermal and mechanical characterization of neat explosives and their formulations, detonation performance testing, and special security projects.
Group Q-5 is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented experimentalist to work alongside a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and technologists in the development and execution of LANL mission-relevant projects involving the manufacturing and processing of high explosives and their formulations. The selected candidate will provide experimental support in a range of high explosive manufacturing operations including but not limited to: chemical synthesis, mixing, pressing, pilot plant synthesis, and formulation scale-up. A range of analysis will also be performed, from characterization of the fundamental ingredient properties (chemical purity, particle size, viscosity, density, surface free energy) to the final formulated product (bulk density, compositional analysis, microscopy). The ideal candidate is careful and methodical, and will prioritize the production of high quality data and material, while abiding by all required safety practices.
Research Technologist 3 $101,700 - $168,200
In addition to what was outlined for Research Technologist 2, at this level the candidate will assist in method development and lead experimental campaigns. The candidate will also contribute to scientific reports and proposals, as well as mentor junior staff members.
This posting is under the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Engineering (ALDW).
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Knowledge
Knowledge of how to use and apply scientific methods and creative problem solving with the application of fundamental chemistry, physics, materials science, and/or engineering principles.
Laboratory Experience
Demonstrated experience in chemical laboratory skills including guided synthesis, materials mixing, filtrations, and powder handling. Demonstrated experience operating standard laboratory instruments as well as mid-scale glass reactors, mixing vessels, temperature regulation equipment, and pressure systems. Established understanding of the analysis and characterization required to assess the manufactured materials.
Teamwork and Communication Skills
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment as well as the ability to work independently, with initiative to plan, implement, and successfully complete long-term projects. Strong communication skills and the willingness to present and discuss research results among peer group.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 50-lbs and/or move materials above 50-lbs with the appropriate equipment. Respirator training and certification also required.
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 3:
Experimentation Skills
Demonstrated expertise in designing, planning, and executing complex laboratory experiments. Proven experience with the scale up of chemical processes and the use of production equipment (i.e. large reactors (at least 5 - 10 kg batch sizes), filtration equipment, process control systems, and Process Analytical Technology tools).
Additional Communication and Presentation Skills
Demonstrated ability to effectively present and communicate research results, in the form of oral presentations and publications/reports. Proven ability to work independently to solve complex technical problems. Prior experience in mentoring and training junior-level peers.
Research Technologist 2 Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preferred degrees: Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or related degree.
Research Technologist 3 Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preferred degrees: Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or related degree.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with handling or mixing of energetic materials and formulations, and/or certified as an HE handler.
- Demonstrated experience with material characterization techniques, such as particle size characterization, compositional analysis, material solubilities, microscopy, etc.
- Experience in procurement, assembly, modification, and maintenance of scientific lab instrumentation.
- Experience with LANL reporting requirements for environmental compliance, hazardous waste, chemical inventory etc.
- Knowledge of DOE Conduct of Operations and safety/security requirements for high explosive facilities.
- Active DOE security clearance.
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.
Note to Applicants: Interested applicants are required to apply online and upload a cover letter and resume. The cover letter must address the candidate experience and provide specific details on all of the job requirements and desired qualifications.
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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.
