Reliability Technologist ½ (Engineering Technologist)

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Reliability Technologist 1 or Reliability Technologist 2 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.

Reliability Technologist 1 $83,900 - $136,600

In this role, you will utilize your knowledge and skills to support our programmatic team and the mission of the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. TA55-PMDS is seeking an experienced and team-oriented Reliability Technologist for the Process Maintenance & Decontamination Services group to serve an integral function for the Reliability Engineering Program. This team supports programmatic equipment for the Weapons Production Facilities located at the Technical Area 55 Division to drive mission and operational excellence through fact-based decision making and Continuous Improvement.

In this key role as a Reliability Technologist, you will have overall accountability for preventive maintenance optimization, elimination of recurring unplanned asset failures, and driving reliability-centered maintenance practices to establish then continually improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness.

The Reliability Engineering Program also supports other teams within the group that perform maintenance on both programmatic equipment and glovebox support systems. The task is to assure that their program deliverables are met by utilizing an analytical, engineering and computer technology skillsets along with principles and theories of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in conducting Reliability Engineering events, potentially implementing innovative engineering practices and Predictive Maintenance technologies.

As a pivotal member of this essential team, you will be a direct report to a First Line Manager, and work as part of a team led by a Reliability Engineer for day-to-day work assignments.

Your intensive efforts will be focused in support of programmatic maintenance needs by performing work related to:
  • Planning through reliability-centered maintenance, execution through high precision maintenance, and sustainment through reliability engineering.
  • Participating in fact-based, solution-driven resolutions to manufacturing problems, including investigation and research.
  • Gathering data for analysis designed to provide the logical elimination of causal factors.
  • Supporting the implementation and sustainment of reliability centered maintenance strategies.
  • Participating in failure mode and effects analysis and root cause analysis to develop equipment maintenance strategies.

Under the mentorship of a Reliability Engineer, you will further develop your skill set towards equipment reliability. Additional tasks may include supporting the analysis of equipment End of Life and End of Service Life/Support to accurately calculate forecasted funding and timelines for future projects designed to replace aging or obsolete assets and new equipment design review and analysis to ensure ease of accessibility to system components for maintainability and inspect ability.

Reliability Technologist 2 $92,300 - $151,000

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level additional key responsibilities include:
  • Applying Lean Six Sigma tools, techniques, and methodologies (strategic gap analysis, lean, design for six sigma, Kaizen event, etc.).
  • Accurately documenting work activities utilizing a variety of computer applications and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Experience with:
  • Reading and understanding detailed technical instructions, following procedures that can be precise and comprehensive, and executing repetitive work to these established procedures.
  • Following verbal instructions as well as the ability and to read, understand, and follow directions provided in written emails.
  • Data gathering for further analysis ensuring good judgment in determining approaches to problems, identifying, researching, and selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
  • Planning, scheduling, and arranging self-directed activities in accomplishing assigned objectives.
  • Working on a variety of components and equipment in maintenance-related situations: testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and replacing.
  • Reading and understanding P&IDs, layouts, floor plans, drawings, and other related visual planning tools and preparing, reviewing, and documenting technical information.
  • Performing computer-related activities, preparing data, inputting data, and using computer programs for computerized solutions of technical problems.
  • Assisting engineers in reviewing and recommending action on equipment reliability issues.
  • Supporting technical research and gathering data needed by engineers and assisting them in the preparation of maintenance strategies.

Knowledge and understanding of:
  • FMEAs, RCAs, DMAIC, Kaizen, equipment maintenance strategies, asset criticality analysis, and lifecycle cost analysis.
  • Fact-based, solution-driven resolutions to manufacturing problems, including the utilization of investigation and research.
  • Planning, coordination, and preparation of equipment or work specifications.
  • Studies to formulate, determine, and evaluate design and operational criteria for structures, systems, and equipment.
  • Principles and theories of engineering, mathematics, and science to solve routine technical problems, making complex calculations, and performing analyses in support of Reliability Engineering.

Additional Job Requirements for Reliability Technologist 2:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
  • Practical application of principles, theories, concepts, and techniques of Reliability Engineering towards resolving a wide range of issues in creative ways.
  • Making complex calculations, performing data analyses in support of design engineering, performing equipment design and development, and identifying production process improvements.
  • Application of analytical software, CAD and CAD/CAM software, and industrial control software designed for equipment reliability.
  • Word processing software at a proficient working level.

Training/Certifications: Highly desired Training/Certifications include Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional, Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals, Lean Six Sigma, and Lean Principles & Techniques.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree and 5 years of directly related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

DOE Order 426.2: Requires High School Diploma.

Desired Skills:

  • DOE Q-Clearance and HRP-Certification.

Hard Skills:
  • Experience and working knowledge of LANL policies and procedures: Safe Conduct of Research, Integrated Safety Management, Conduct of Operations, Conduct of Maintenance, Conduct of Engineering, and Pause/Stop Work.
  • Experience working on a diverse, motivated, cross-functional team dedicated to a vision and plan of action.
  • Understanding of Lean Six Sigma tools, techniques, and methodologies (strategic gap analysis, lean, design for six sigma, Kaizen event, etc.).
  • Experience with accurately documenting work activities utilizing a variety of computer applications and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems.

Soft Skills:
  • Able to collaborate with cross-functional teams across various departments.
  • Able to effectively communicate.
  • Able to function within a self-motivated and self-directed work team.
  • Able to demonstrate Problem Solving Skills.
  • Able to demonstrate efficient and effective time management skills.
  • Skills and attributes that instill trust and integrity within a team environment.


Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to speak, reading, vision, sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, twisting the trunk or back, bending, kneeling, balancing, applying torque with hands or arms, use of both hands, use of both arms, carrying 10-20 pounds, lifting 30+ pounds.

Work Environment: Working overtime or irregular schedule, working off-shift/rotating schedule, work near sources of ionizing radiation, work near machinery and moving parts, domestic/foreign travel, mask or respirator, safety glasses and eye protection, gloves or hand protection, hearing protection, safety shoes or protective footgear.

Work Schedule:

This position may require 24/7 coverage and therefore may require working a shift schedule.

Shift Differential Pay: This position may require 24/7 coverage and therefore may require working a shift schedule. Nonexempt employees will receive shift differential pay when they are assigned by their manager to work a regular shift in which four or more hours are scheduled either before 8:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.

These shifts typically fall into two categories:
  • Swing: normally 4:00 p.m. to 12 midnight-12.0% of the basic hourly rate or the hourly equivalent rate of pay.
  • Graveyard: normally 12 midnight to 8:00 a.m-15.0% of the basic hourly rate or the hourly equivalent rate of pay.

The rules governing the payment of shift differential are subject to change, including the amount of shift differential.

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.

Note to Applicants:

For full consideration, please provide a comprehensive resume, which outlines how you meet the minimum and desired skills noted above.

On- the -job training will be provided for some desired qualifications and more in-depth training will be provided for minimum job requirements. Extensive trainings for certain facility-related certifications can take up to 9 months at adjacent training facility.

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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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.