Nuclear Engineering & Nonproliferation Research Tec (Research Tec 3)

What You Will Do



NEN-1 works to safeguard nuclear materials by developing techniques and systems for nondestructive assay of nuclear and hazardous material. Applications include nuclear materials control and accountability for domestic DOE nuclear facilities, nuclear waste disposal, material stabilization efforts, and international nonproliferation efforts. NEN-1 instrumentation and analysis technology measures nuclear materials by detecting and analyzing the neutrons, gamma rays, or heat given off by nuclear material. We also have an extensive training program to teach methods of nondestructive assay measurement and analysis and provide as many as 30 courses annually.

The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) is seeking a motivated and results- oriented Research Tec 3. In this role, you will provide technical support for a variety of moderately complex issues while promoting a respectful work environment free from discrimination and harassment. A demonstrated history of reliability, availability, and punctuality is essential for this position.

Specific duties of the position include but are not limited to the following:

  • Follow established procedures for routine work to ensure safe, secure, and compliant work.
  • Perform installation, maintenance, and repairs on research and development related equipment and systems.
  • Provide technical support for the conduct of medium hazard experimental work using nuclear materials, lasers, chemicals, or radiation generating devices.
  • Perform duties associated with a primary or alternate nuclear material custodian for one or more Material Balance Areas.
  • Handle, use, and store radioactive sealed sources (RSSs) in a manner commensurate with the hazards associated with operations involving the RSSs.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Demonstrated experience accomplishing technical tasks while working independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with Microsoft Office tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word).
  • Experience working with hand and power tools.
  • Ability to follow safety and security requirements during execution of assigned tasks.
  • Demonstrated excellent record of dependability, availability, attendance, and punctuality.
  • This position requires DOE Q access authorization. The candidate must have the ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.


Education/Experience: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.



Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience assisting engineers, scientists, and technologists with the development, fabrication, testing, installation, maintenance and/or deployment of nondestructive assay systems tests.
  • Demonstrated experience in the participation of all aspects of equipment testing including design, test preparation, and execution.
  • Demonstrated experience working and delivering product on schedule, while being involved in multiple projects having various and sometimes changing priorities.
  • Familiarity with the use of data acquisition systems.
  • Familiarity with the LAMCAS database, RSSDMS database, or LANL's tamper indicating program (TID).
  • Experience working with a chemical database (Chem Db).
  • Experience working with radiological sources and nuclear materials.
  • Experience writing or contributing to Integrated Work Documents, Operating Procedures, or other work planning documents.
  • Demonstrated experience operating mechanical equipment such as forklifts, cranes, or other types of lifting devices/machinery.
  • Knowledge of safety, security, and compliance concepts associated with criticality safety, material at risk, nuclear material control and accountability, and facility hazard categorization.
  • Ability to wear full-face respirator
  • Ability to obtain HRP authorization.
  • Active DOE Q Clearance.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Sitting and standing;
Climbing stairs and ladders; Lifting 20-50 pounds; Carrying 20-30 pounds; Kneeling; squatting; bending; and twisting.

Work Environment: Outdoors, in dry environment, in a wet or humid environment; Operation of motor vehicles; Flexibility to accommodate overtime and Domestic/Foreign travel; Work near sources of ionizing radiation; Safety glasses or eye protection; Mask or respirator; Gloves or hand protection.

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: Occasional travel to and work in other laboratories and facilities will be required.
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 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 or preference, 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.