Research Tec 4/5
- Req. Number: IRC135365
- Organization : AMPP-5/PS Production
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Recruiter Name: Coulter, Joseph Patrick
- Recruiter Email: jcoulter@lanl.gov
What You Will Do
Join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world.
The Actinide Materials Processing and Power Division (AMPP) consists of four groups and the division office. All groups work in a team environment within LANL's nuclear facility to process materials and manufacture products in support of Nuclear Deterrence.
AMPP-5 is the Power Supply Production group. We work for space and defense programs to process Pu-238 to make heat sources for instruments or generators that need long lasting and reliable power. Our group consists of three teams: the aqueous team which purifies fuel and processes waste for disposition, the fuel fabrication team which processes and manipulates powder fuels, and the welding team which encapsulates fuel into various containment vessels. Each team plays a vital role in the organization's overarching mission to support space exploration and national defense through Pu-238 science.
The majority of daily production tasking in AMPP is "hands-on" glove box work. Chemical and material processes at Los Alamos National Laboratory are performed using detailed operating procedures that utilize extensive knowledge and expertise in following good Conduct of Operations, nuclear criticality safety, material control and accountability, radiological safety and environmental compliance requirements.
This position is for a hands-on Research Technician role on the Fuel Fabrication or Aqueous and Hydroxide team.
The Fuel Fabrication Team is specifically tasked with the intricate process of shaping and refining materials into their final form. Our Fuels team uses high-temperature furnaces for the fabrication process and hydraulic presses for shaping materials under extreme pressure. This enables the creation of heat sources that meet stringent quality and performance standards, ensuring they can withstand the demands of applications requiring long-lasting power.
The Aqueous and Hydroxide Team scrap recovery process, takes old heat source plutonium and uses chemical properties and filtration to remove contaminants. The hydroxide precipitation process accepts residual liquid solutions from several processes and uses chemical properties and filtration to remove any remaining nuclear material out of the solutions.
As a Research Tec 4/5, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Research Tec 5
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the selected candidate should be comfortable working independently and with teammates, with limited direct supervision.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Job Requirements for Research Tec 4:
Mechanical Systems & Tools:
Collaboration:
Ability to work effectively, conscientiously and professionally in a high-performance team environment that exhibits collaborative behavior.
Communication:
Demonstrated experience and interacting and communicating both written and orally.
Ability to proactively work to assist others in achieving the organizations objectives. Ability to communicate findings and make recommendations.
Organizational Skills:
Possess high attention to detail including strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, observation skills and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment and adjust to changes.
Safety:
Proven knowledge and implementation of required safety practices for work assignments.
Ability to follow safeguards & security procedures in accordance with the Laboratory's Integrated Safety and Security Management (ISSM) practices utilizing guidelines, training and procedures.
Work Environment:
Demonstrated senior level ability to work independently with both written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans and Laboratory requirements. Ability to perform complex tasks independently in a related technical specialty and exercise independent judgment.
Computer Proficiency:
Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of computer systems and applications (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
Technical Expertise:
Education/Experience for Research Tec 4: Position requires an associate degree and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience for Research Tec5: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 7 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
DOE Order 426.2: Requires a High School Diploma.
Desired Qualifications:
Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.
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:
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, 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.
Join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world.
The Actinide Materials Processing and Power Division (AMPP) consists of four groups and the division office. All groups work in a team environment within LANL's nuclear facility to process materials and manufacture products in support of Nuclear Deterrence.
AMPP-5 is the Power Supply Production group. We work for space and defense programs to process Pu-238 to make heat sources for instruments or generators that need long lasting and reliable power. Our group consists of three teams: the aqueous team which purifies fuel and processes waste for disposition, the fuel fabrication team which processes and manipulates powder fuels, and the welding team which encapsulates fuel into various containment vessels. Each team plays a vital role in the organization's overarching mission to support space exploration and national defense through Pu-238 science.
The majority of daily production tasking in AMPP is "hands-on" glove box work. Chemical and material processes at Los Alamos National Laboratory are performed using detailed operating procedures that utilize extensive knowledge and expertise in following good Conduct of Operations, nuclear criticality safety, material control and accountability, radiological safety and environmental compliance requirements.
This position is for a hands-on Research Technician role on the Fuel Fabrication or Aqueous and Hydroxide team.
The Fuel Fabrication Team is specifically tasked with the intricate process of shaping and refining materials into their final form. Our Fuels team uses high-temperature furnaces for the fabrication process and hydraulic presses for shaping materials under extreme pressure. This enables the creation of heat sources that meet stringent quality and performance standards, ensuring they can withstand the demands of applications requiring long-lasting power.
The Aqueous and Hydroxide Team scrap recovery process, takes old heat source plutonium and uses chemical properties and filtration to remove contaminants. The hydroxide precipitation process accepts residual liquid solutions from several processes and uses chemical properties and filtration to remove any remaining nuclear material out of the solutions.
As a Research Tec 4/5, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Perform chemical processing; metal processing (furnace operations); materials science; material processing; leak testing; mechanical assembly; mechanical operations, vacuum equipment operation, special nuclear material operations; equipment troubleshooting and equipment maintenance; or electronics tasks.
- Adhere to all Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance specific to installation, repair, and maintenance.
- Write and maintain records, write concise progress reports and interact frequently with support organizations.
- Safely handle radioactive materials and chemicals in glove boxes; perform glove box bag outs and glove changes in a respirator; follow Detailed Operating Procedures and follow formality of operations for conducting work in a Nuclear Facility; protect nuclear materials and classified information in a secure environment; perform transactions on the LANMAS computer system and conduct activities in accordance with environmental regulations.
- Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. The successful candidate will maintain their required safety and security training, ensure compliance with safety and security requirements, and make safety and security an integral part of every task.
- Provide general process and operational support, including nuclear criticality safety, material control and accountability, glovebox maintenance, radiological protection and waste minimization and management.
- Collaborating with other facility representatives as required to support the safety/reliability of equipment/systems
- Prepare samples and reagents for analysis and execute experiments.
- Conduct waste packaging, labeling, documentation, staging and shipment in accordance with environmental regulations and Laboratory policies and procedures.
- Be available to work in the Plutonium Facility.
- Provide training and oversight for new technicians.
- Operate, maintain, and oversee repairs to equipment.
Research Tec 5
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the selected candidate should be comfortable working independently and with teammates, with limited direct supervision.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Job Requirements for Research Tec 4:
Mechanical Systems & Tools:
- Experience in one or more of the following:
- Technical work, such as chemical synthesis; chemical, biological, radiological materials handling; analytical procedures and methodology; materials characterization or testing; optical and laser systems; data acquisition systems; cryogenics; vacuum systems; pressure systems; fiber optics; electronic imaging; solid-state electronic design and assembly; mechanical systems; etc.
- Specialized training and knowledge for working in hazardous environments such as those involving high explosives, radiological or fissile materials, accelerators, lasers, pulse power or high energy systems, etc.
- Test and design, such as reading drawings and schematics, using digital test equipment, data analysis, electromagnetic shielding, high-speed data acquisition systems and software, ultrafast timing techniques, etc.
Collaboration:
Ability to work effectively, conscientiously and professionally in a high-performance team environment that exhibits collaborative behavior.
Communication:
Demonstrated experience and interacting and communicating both written and orally.
Ability to proactively work to assist others in achieving the organizations objectives. Ability to communicate findings and make recommendations.
Organizational Skills:
Possess high attention to detail including strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, observation skills and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment and adjust to changes.
Safety:
Proven knowledge and implementation of required safety practices for work assignments.
Ability to follow safeguards & security procedures in accordance with the Laboratory's Integrated Safety and Security Management (ISSM) practices utilizing guidelines, training and procedures.
Work Environment:
Demonstrated senior level ability to work independently with both written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans and Laboratory requirements. Ability to perform complex tasks independently in a related technical specialty and exercise independent judgment.
Computer Proficiency:
Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of computer systems and applications (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
Technical Expertise:
- Ability to pass and maintain required training.
- In depth understanding of Formality of Operations.
- Must be able to acquire and maintain all required certifications and training related to work within Plutonium Facility.
- Demonstrated experience mentoring entry level technicians.
Education/Experience for Research Tec 4: Position requires an associate degree and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience for Research Tec5: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 7 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
DOE Order 426.2: Requires a High School Diploma.
Desired Qualifications:
- Formal training or experience machining a variety of materials with lathes, mills, drill presses, and saws, and other industrial apparatus.
- Experience working with radioactive and other hazardous materials.
- Expert understanding of in-process inspection techniques and technologies.
- Knowledge in computers, computer programming, and / or software applications used in R&D job function.
- Active DOE Q Clearance.
- Active HRP certification.
Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.
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, applicants must submit a comprehensive resume that addresses the key requirements of the position.
- Review of resumes will commence immediately.
- While the posted salary range for this position is broad (Level 4: $69,500-$110,300, Level 5: $83,900-$136,600) it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grow into the full salary band over time.
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, 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.
