Research Tec 2/3 (Inspection & NDE Weekends) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Research Tec 2/3 (Inspection & NDE Weekends)

What You Will Do

Come be part of the Pit Technologies Division as a Research Technician. You will be working at the Plutonium Center of Excellence located in Northern New Mexico at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). We provide plutonium pit-related products and services of superior quality and value to protect our nation and promote world stability. Pits are a key component of nuclear weapons.

Under the guidance of senior technicians, engineers, and scientists, Research Technicians perform technical work requiring knowledge in science and engineering disciplines. You will contribute to inspection, testing, and evaluation activities supporting national security objectives. Work may involve systems with significant safety considerations, including radiological environments, X-ray systems, and high-energy equipment.

Research Tec 2 ($54,900-$84,300)

As a Research Tec 2, you will perform hands-on inspection and metrology tasks with moderate supervision, including:

  • Set up, alignment, calibration, and operation of inspection equipment
  • Perform inspections using techniques such as RT (Film, CR, DR, CT), PT, UT, leak checking, density, and visual/optical systems
  • Conduct measurements using tools ranging from manual setups to CMMs and vision systems
  • Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications
  • Evaluate inspection results against acceptance criteria
  • Maintain documentation, traceability, and inspection reports
  • Perform basic troubleshooting and equipment maintenance


Research Tec 3 ($66,100-$103,600)

In addition to the above, the Research Tec 3 will:

  • Provide technical leadership across inspection and NDE methods
  • Develop, review, and approve inspection techniques and procedures
  • Interpret complex radiographic and ultrasonic data
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in NDE and metrology practices
  • Train and mentor junior technicians
  • Perform audits and support process improvements
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts
  • Support programming and advanced use of metrology/NDE systems (e.g., CMMs, CT, digital radiography)


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements



Technical Knowledge:

  • Experience in metrology, inspection operations, and/or NDE methods
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
  • Knowledge of inspection standards, procedures, and documentation practices
  • Experience performing equipment setup, calibration, and operation
  • Strong attention to detail and data interpretation skills


Tools & Equipment:

  • Familiarity with conventional inspection tools and advanced systems (CMMs, radiography, ultrasonic, optical systems)


Additional Technical Skills (Tech 3):

  • Development and approval of procedures
  • Advanced data interpretation and decision-making
  • Knowledge of industry codes (NAS 410, ASTM, ASME, or equivalent)
  • Training and qualification of personnel


Education/Experience

  • Research Tec 2: High School diploma (or equivalent) and 2-3 years of related experience
  • Research Tec 3: High School diploma (or equivalent) with 3+ years of experience; associate's degree preferred


DOE Order 426.2: Requires a High School Diploma

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience selecting and specifying measurement/test equipment
  • Experience with metrology software (Calypso, Quindos, PC-DMIS, or similar)
  • Certification to Level 1 or Level 2 in NDE methods (NAS 410, ASNT SNT-TC-1A, or equivalent)
  • Experience working in nuclear or high-hazard environments (DOE Orders 422.1 or 440.1B)
  • Active DOE Q Clearance (or ability to obtain)
  • Experience with digital radiography, computed radiography, or CT systems


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 2 years.

Work Schedule

This position is hiring in support of a weekend shift (Th-Su). The role would start out on the regular shift (M-Th) until training is complete then transfer to the weekend shift. Shift differential applies to this role, once working on the weekend shift.

Note to Applicants

For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume reflecting your relevant experience along with a cover letter.

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.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

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.