Research and Machinist Technician 3/4 (Research Tec 3/4)

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research and Machinist Technician 3 or 4 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 and Machinist Technician 3/4

Come join an innovative indoor/outdoor research laboratory and machine shop team. The Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (C-PCS) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is looking for a talented research technician/technologist with experience fabricating and modifying specialized scientific equipment and parts. Our group engages in multi-disciplinary research focused on the use of spectroscopy to investigate a variety of complex problems. The group is seeking a person with expertise in one or more of these focused areas of research. The chosen candidates may assist multiple investigators spanning these diverse teams.

We are seeking a curious and innovative research machinist/metalworker/fabricator to work on some world class science efforts, based on their area of technical expertise. This position involves working in indoor and outdoor laboratories, in mechanical shop, design and/or modifying parts and instrumentation using hand tools. The successful technician will utilize cranes for critical and noncritical lifts, drive forklifts, use various types of tools, and work outdoors. In addition, the successful candidate will sometimes work in a respirator. The candidate will have administrative responsibilities that surround the performance of complex experimental work and infrastructure - such as ordering, maintaining equipment, seeking approvals for new operations or renewal of previous operations, installation and maintaining new equipment, training of new personnel, and will spend some of their time and responsibilities managing the machine shop and outdoor test facility. #chemistry, #chemtech, #c-pcs

Research and Machinist Technician 3 ($64,700 - $101,400)

  • Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training and assures compliance; makes safety and security an integral part of every task. Takes steps to stop work if unsafe conditions exist or security is compromised.
  • Provides technical support for or conduct of experimental work in mechanical shop, design and/or modifying parts and instrumentation using hand tools; utilize cranes for critical and noncritical lifts, drive forklifts, use various types of tools, and work outdoors analyzing or validating results and reporting data.
  • Conducts technical work in the laboratory space or work area, as directed by or discussed with supervisor. Records procedures, equipment, parameters used in technical work; captures findings and data. As directed by or discussed with supervisor, analyzes findings and data, develops preliminary interpretation of results, summarizes outcomes, and plans next stages of technical work.
  • Performs some non-routine tasks requiring the exercise of independent judgment and works from general instructions for new assignments. Focused assignments are usually part of the total design or research project. Contributions are normally of sufficient value and scope to have significant impact on project or Group goals.
  • Fosters a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Research and Machinist Technician 4 ($71,200 - $112,900)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level:

  • Takes initiative in fabrication innovation by analyzing mechanical findings and data, develops outcomes, and plan next stages of technical work under the direction of supervisor. Works with line, program and facilities personnel as appropriate for the conduct of the technical work.
  • Ensures all work, materials, processes and final product meet quality specifications and are completed according to established requirements.
  • Performs work at a "skilled level" independently with limited supervision, performs non- routine tasks requiring the exercise of independent judgment, and occasionally works without appreciable direction. Work may be reviewed for desired results.
  • Provides original contribution or provides machine technical leadership. Incorrect technical decisions can cause significant delays in project completion.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
Required Skills (skills necessary to do the job)

  • Demonstrated skills/experience/specialized training for work in a machine shop.
  • Familiar operating hand tools and machine shop equipment.
  • Proficient ability to setup and operate manual equipment and CMC.
  • Manufacture and modify parts made from typical materials.
  • Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and exhibiting collaborative behavior.
  • Demonstrated experience working with and following procedures.
  • Experience with procedure review and following Integrated Work Documents or other work protocols.
  • Experience maintaining and organizing tools, scientific equipment, and specialized spaces.
  • Ability to work outdoors.
  • Ability to become certified to wear a respirator.
  • This position requires some travel within the United States (once a quarter).
  • Must submit a comprehensive resume and a cover letter that addresses each of the required and desired skills for the position applying for.

Additional Job Requirements for Technician 4
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
  • Experience with independent work and experience coordinating with others, for instance coordination of work with support organizations.
  • Experience managing day-to-day activities and maintaining work approvals or regulatory approvals.
  • Proven experience independently designing and fabricating specialized parts.
  • Experience with procedure or protocol writing.
  • Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
  • Expert ability to setup and operate manual equipment and CMC.
  • This position requires some travel within the United States (once a quarter).
  • Must submit a comprehensive resume and a cover letter that addresses each of the required and desired skills for the position applying for.

Education/Experience at lower level (Technician 3): Position requires an associate's degree in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 3 years of relevant experience working at a machine shop and working with hand tools; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience working at a machine shop and working with hand tools.

Education/Experience at higher level (Technician 4):
Position requires an associate's degree in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 5 year's related experience; OR, 5 year's prototype experience; OR, Journeyperson qualification program and 5 years of experience.

Desired Qualifications: (skills that are nice to have, but not necessary)

  • Experience with independent verbal and hands-on coordination with customers and support organizations to complete assigned duties.
  • Experience designing, building, and controlling mechanical systems
  • Experience using programs used to monitor and control systems, like LabVIEW and MATLAB
  • Experience in experimenting and prototyping
  • Experience creating CAD/CAM files or G&M code.
  • Experienced/Licensed forklift operator
  • Rad Worker training
  • Familiarity working with/on electrical or pressure systems
  • Experience working outdoors
  • Active Q clearance

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation) & Work Environment: Ability to work in a wide range of ambient temperatures, working in a machine shop, operate specialized heavy equipment, operation of motor vehicles, near machinery with moving parts and working outdoors. Wear personal protective equipment which can be: safety glasses or eye protection, shields, mask or respirator, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes, fume hood use.

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. Some travel is required (once a quarter).

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:

  • For full consideration, you must submit a comprehensive resume and a cover letter that addresses each of the required and desired skills for the position applying for.
  • Some travel in the United States is required for this 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. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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 applicable federal, state and local 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.

National Defense Authorization Act:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.