Engineering Technologist 3 (Electrical)

What You Will Do
The Detonation Science and Technology Group (Q-6) serves the Laboratory and the Nation providing the knowledge base and component design responsibilities for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other critical national security areas. The Group's capabilities include design engineering for nuclear weapon detonators and detonator cable assemblies, design, fabrication, qualification, and installation of test fire control systems, pulse power engineering, advanced detonator design and testing, and applied problem solving. Additional capabilities include expertise in the detonation science and physics of detonator energetic materials, and engineering responsibility for the cradle to grave care of the detonators and detonator cable assemblies used by Los Alamos National Laboratory. Q-6 is also responsible for engineering, fabricating, or acquiring precision high explosives detonators for a diverse R&D customer base to meet present and future national security needs in a safe, secure, and efficient manner.

Q-6 is offering an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Denotation Science and Technology Group. The Group is seeking an experienced Engineering Technologist. You will work closely with a diverse group of engineers, technologists and technicians on timing and firing control systems, high explosive detonator testing, facility infrastructure, high voltage and laser operations to support experiments. You will work in areas involving high consequences for safety that might be in the form of chemicals, high explosives, high-power lasers, and high-energy devices.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

Engineering Technologist 3 (ET-3) ($104,100 - $172,200)

This candidate should be able to apply the principles and theories of engineering, math and science to solve technical problems within discipline in support of engineering and engineering research. Supports and leads engineering/projects in the performance of complex and demanding assignments requiring initiative and independent judgment. Responsible for assigned activities within an engineering discipline in support of facilities, design, operation, maintenance, project and/or research-based engineering. May be asked to provide direction to technicians. Able to work independently and as part of a team. Utilizes engineering and computer technology to accomplish work. Continuously improving work processes to meet customer needs. They should possess and demonstrate experience and capabilities beyond entry level, reflecting increased independence and technical expertise.
  • Hands-on setup of experiments/tests involving delicate specialty electrical and optical (laser) measurement equipment.
  • Leading and setting up laboratory experiments/tests using R&D engineer requirements.
  • Point of contact for external inquiries and coordination of infrastructure maintenance performed by contractors.
  • Write procedures and test reports in part or in whole working with R&D engineers.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a multi-disciplined and formal environment.
  • Demonstrated experience developing, owning, and maintaining operating procedures for complex, hazardous processes and the training of operators in performing these processes.
  • Expert knowledge of engineering principles and basic technical responsibilities within designated discipline.
  • Expert knowledge of relevant Laboratory procedures, standards and guides.

Education/Experience for Engineering Technologist 3: Position requires a bachelor's degree in engineering technology, Science, Math or related degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated mechanical design, manufacturing or assembly experience in the weapons program.
  • Strong understanding of schematics and hardware configurations.
  • Experience in electro-mechanical and optical hardware involved with measurement systems and instruments. This includes optical cables/connectors, welding optical fibers, cleaning/polishing optical fibers, and testing optical fiber runs for timing and loss.
  • Experience participating in hazard analysis reviews and working in environments with high explosives, with familiarity in high-explosive safety programs.
  • Experience with high-speed videography to capture highly transient dynamic experiments and strong understanding of focal length, aperture, and depth-of-field.
  • Experience with nanosecond-accuracy timing and measurement systems and instruments.
  • Active 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:

For full consideration, a comprehensive cover letter addressing your qualifications against the minimum and desired skills 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 maternity 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 opt. 3.