Dimensional Inspector (QA/QC Inspector 3/4) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Dimensional Inspector (QA/QC Inspector 3/4)

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the QA/QC Inspector 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.

The High Explosives (HE) Fabrication group (M-8) at Los Alamos National Laboratory, provides technical experience and proficiency in pressing, machining, and precision dimensional inspection of critical high explosives components needed to support the HE groups and weapons programs at LANL and partnering Laboratories. The selected candidate will be joining a small but dedicated dimensional inspection team, working closely with highly skilled machinists, to ensure manufactured components meet drawing standards and requirements. This dimensional inspection capability resides in an environmentally controlled operational bay/lab, supporting dimensional inspections of high explosives, and mock/inert explosives. Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Assures safety and security compliance, maintains required safety and security training, and makes safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security.

QA/QC Inspector 3 ($66,100 - $103,600)
The candidate shall have strong coordinate measuring machine (CMM) programming capability. They will help develop and execute CMM programs on parts of varying complexity, ensuring the proper techniques are utilized to collect accurate part data. They will also demonstrate their experience using manual inspection equipment to verify machined parts are within required specification. They will work within a team environment, with strong written and verbal communication skills. A foundation in dimensional inspection within the manufacturing environment is key to success.

QA/QC Inspector 4 ($80,400 - $127,900)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, the level 4 is considered an advanced level inspector. At this level the candidate shall have advanced CMM programming capability, with the ability to develop complex part programs with enough detail and direction for use by others. The selected candidate will frequently communicate technical information to the inspection team leader, machinists, and customers, providing consultation to support final product acceptance. This person will also assist in the development of implementation of procedures & quality control. The selected candidate will also be required to have experience mentoring and training junior staff. Inspection operations will include the use of CMM's, and other open set-up, high accuracy metrology measure and Test Equipment (M&TE).

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


Technical Expertise

  • Working knowledge of Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T)
  • Demonstrated experience programming and operating CMMs.
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing height gages, surface plates, & optical comparators.
  • Demonstrated experience with blueprint reading, including ASME Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
  • Demonstrated experience with applied shop mathematics, unit conversions, and trigonometry.
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing quality control methods and practices with respect to a single discipline or multidiscipline.

Communication and Teamwork

  • Strong writing ability and verbal communication skills required to independently prepare and present data and reports to peers, senior colleagues, management, and customers.
  • Demonstrated record of dependability, reliability, and commitment to the long-term needs of the job duties and programmatic goals of the organization

Additional Job Requirements for QA/QC Inspector 4:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

  • Perform moderate to highly-complex inspections on various machined components and assemblies against acceptance criteria or to meet process/product engineer requirements.
  • Operate/program inspection equipment (Coordinate Measuring Machines, optical systems, hard gages and other open setup equipment) and perform inspection operations.
  • Perform complex set-ups, alignments, maintenance, operations, and/or calibration of conventional inspection tools and/or equipment.
  • May be tasked to collect and analyze customer feedback data and conducts continuous quality improvement activities.
  • Assists with development of procedures related to specific assignment area for quality control, non-conformance reporting, cause and corrective action determinations, and process improvement activities.

Education/Experience at QA/QC Inspector 3 level: Position requires an Associate's Degree or formal Machinist Apprenticeship Program and 2 years of experience in equivalent machining, inspection, examination, or test activities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at QA/QC Inspector 4 level: Position requires an Associate's Degree or formal Machinist Apprenticeship Program and 4 years of experience in equivalent machining, inspection, examination, or test activities; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with CAD software, Creo or SolidWorks preferred
  • Experience with PC-DMIS, or similar CMM Metrology Software
  • Experience with CMM Calibration processes
  • LANL HE handler or experienced in the handling of hazardous materials
  • Certified Quality Inspector

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:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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.

For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses the key requirements of 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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.