Machinist Apprentice Program
- Req. Number: IRC142545
- Organization : PF-DO/Prototype Fabrication
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
Calling all aspiring machinists!
The 2026 Machinist Apprentice Program (MAP) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is open for applications.
Over the course of 2 years, Apprentices will:
This 2-year apprenticeship program is managed by the Prototype Fabrication (PF) Division. PF Division's capabilities include precision machining in a wide variety of materials and sizes, dimensional inspection, preventative and corrective maintenance, metal fabrication and welding, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM).
We support apprentices to grow not only as talented machinists, but also as well-rounded LANL employees with a strong foundation of dependability, trustworthiness, integrity, & respect.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Education/Experience:
Conditions of Employment:
Upon completion of the 2-year Machinist Apprentice Program (MAP), you may receive an offer of regular full-time employment as a machinist at the Laboratory. Should you decline the offer of employment, you will be required to refund the Laboratory
the cost of your books, external training, software licenses related to the MAP curricula, and your NIMS membership. Additionally, any offer of regular full-time employment as a machinist at the Laboratory will be conditioned on a two-year commitment
of employment in that position. If you fail to honor the two years of continuous employment as a machinist at LANL, you will be required to refund the Laboratory the cost of your books, external training, software licenses related to the MAP curricula,
and your NIMS membership. In the event an offer is not extended at program completion, reimbursement will not be required.
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.
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.
Where You Will Work
Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the
U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. Our generous benefits package includes:
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.
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.
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.
Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
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.
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.
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
How to Apply:
Please submit a comprehensive resume and include a description of how you meet the minimum job requirements.
Applicants are welcome to include an optional cover letter or any other supporting documentation to further address qualifications for participation in the Apprenticeship Program.
Questions about this opportunity? Contact program manager John Lamar at jlamar@lanl.gov.
Calling all aspiring machinists!
The 2026 Machinist Apprentice Program (MAP) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is open for applications.
Over the course of 2 years, Apprentices will:
- Work under the direction of instructors and machinists in both classroom settings and in multiple LANL machine shops.
- Complete competencies based on the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certified Machinist Training and MAP Curriculum, as well as curriculum specific to the Lab.
- Gain valuable on-the-job experience in machine shops while machining for a variety of customers. Students will get to work on a wide range of projects, critical to national security.
- Work towards obtaining a Journeyperson's Certificate through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). Upon completion of the program, successful candidates often transition into full-time employment at LANL.
This 2-year apprenticeship program is managed by the Prototype Fabrication (PF) Division. PF Division's capabilities include precision machining in a wide variety of materials and sizes, dimensional inspection, preventative and corrective maintenance, metal fabrication and welding, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM).
We support apprentices to grow not only as talented machinists, but also as well-rounded LANL employees with a strong foundation of dependability, trustworthiness, integrity, & respect.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age by the projected program start date in October 2026.
- An interest/aptitude for machining and manufacturing.
- Ability to perform basic precision measurements on parts using inspection tools including calipers, micrometers, and verniers.
- Basic understanding of shop safety practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Knowledge of mathematics (trigonometry, algebra, geometry).
- Manufacture simple parts made from typical materials under close supervision.
- Basic knowledge and ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
- Effective verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to be part of a collaborative team and to communicate effectively with peers, colleagues, customers to maintain a safe and respectful workplace.
Education/Experience:
- High school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or equivalent.
- Position REQUIRES a Certificate OR an associate degree in a machining technology program from an accredited institution; OR three (3) years relevant experience.
- Candidates are welcome to apply if they are currently enrolled in such a program, but it must be completed prior to the start date of October 2026.
Conditions of Employment:
Upon completion of the 2-year Machinist Apprentice Program (MAP), you may receive an offer of regular full-time employment as a machinist at the Laboratory. Should you decline the offer of employment, you will be required to refund the Laboratory
the cost of your books, external training, software licenses related to the MAP curricula, and your NIMS membership. Additionally, any offer of regular full-time employment as a machinist at the Laboratory will be conditioned on a two-year commitment
of employment in that position. If you fail to honor the two years of continuous employment as a machinist at LANL, you will be required to refund the Laboratory the cost of your books, external training, software licenses related to the MAP curricula,
and your NIMS membership. In the event an offer is not extended at program completion, reimbursement will not be required.
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.
Note to Applicants:
- Salary starts at approximately $25.50 per hour and increases as candidates progress through the program, culminating in a salary of approximately $35.91 per hour at completion.
- State Certified Journeyperson Certificate upon completion.
- Full machinist toolbox provided.
- Personal protective equipment is provided, such as safety boots and prescription safety glasses.
- Position requires selected candidates to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance. To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and U.S. citizenship is required, except in limited circumstances. (Note: The employer will support selected candidates through the Clearance application process).
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 Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the
U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. 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
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Partial relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
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.
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.
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.
Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
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.
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.
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
- Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
- Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
- Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
- Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
- From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
- Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
- Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
How to Apply:
Please submit a comprehensive resume and include a description of how you meet the minimum job requirements.
Applicants are welcome to include an optional cover letter or any other supporting documentation to further address qualifications for participation in the Apprenticeship Program.
Questions about this opportunity? Contact program manager John Lamar at jlamar@lanl.gov.
