Engineering Technologist 1
- Req. Number: IRC144464
- Organization : SIGMA-OPS/Sigma Operations Group
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Salary: $87,800 - $143,000
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
The Sigma Operations Group (Sigma-OPS) is seeking an energetic, customer-focused individual to join our Programmatic Maintenance Team. The Engineering Technologist 1 will support engineering and operational activities related to the maintenance, analysis, and improvement of programmatic equipment and systems. This role applies engineering principles to troubleshoot, evaluate, and enhance equipment, with a focus on machine control systems including PLC communications, sensor diagnostics, and system integration.
Sigma Division focuses on materials science and engineering, emphasizing metallurgical processes and research in support of experimental testing programs at Los Alamos. Sigma-OPS is a customer-focused organization supporting the operational and engineering needs of the division.
Key Responsibilities
- Apply engineering principles to analyze, troubleshoot, and improve electrical and mechanical control systems
- Perform diagnostics, programming, and maintenance of CNC and PLC-based systems
- Support the design, integration, and modernization of control systems and programmatic equipment
- Assist in engineering evaluations, system performance analysis, and development of design solutions
- Reverse engineer legacy systems to support maintenance, upgrades, and documentation
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical subsystems and components in accordance with established procedures
- Prepare, review, and maintain technical documentation, including schematics, drawings, and specifications
- Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and facility personnel to support project and operational objectives
- Communicate with vendors to identify and procure replacement parts and technical solutions
- Contribute to the development and execution of preventative and predictive maintenance strategies
- Support continuous improvement efforts for maintenance processes, system reliability, and operational efficiency
- Perform work in accordance with Laboratory safety, security, and regulatory requirements, including electrical safety programs
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated ability to apply basic engineering principles, mathematics, and technical problem-solving skills
- Ability to read, interpret, and work from electrical and mechanical schematics, drawings, and technical documentation
- Experience troubleshooting, maintaining, or supporting electrical, mechanical, or control systems
- Ability to work within defined procedures, regulations, and safety requirements in a highly regulated environment
- Experience working with preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs
- Demonstrated ability to execute responsibilities with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to work effectively with diverse teams and customers
- Proficiency with standard computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Ability to obtain a DOE Q-clearance (typically requires U.S. citizenship)
Education/Experience: 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.
Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with industrial control systems such as Siemens Step 7, RSLogix, Click PLC, or similar platforms
- Familiarity with CAD or modeling software and engineering design tools
- Experience supporting system design, equipment modification, or engineering projects
- Working knowledge of machine shop and fabrication tools (e.g., mill, lathe, forklift)
- Experience working with maintenance planning, scheduling, and reliability programs
- Experience preparing or reviewing technical documentation and drawings
- Active DOE Q clearance
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:
Along with a resume, a detailed cover letter addressing each of the position requirements is required.
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.
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.
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.