Research Tec 2/3 | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Research Tec 2/3

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Tec 2 or Research Tec 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The DP Division is the premier Production Agency (PA) assigned to produce War Reserve (WR) detonators for our nation's nuclear stockpile security mission. The Division is part of LANL's Weapons Production Directorate. DP is comprised of a team of motivated, highly skilled technical and operational support staff working in an integrated format. The organization is centered on high-rigor manufacturing operations to produce precise, safe, and reliable WR products. DP partners closely with customers and stakeholders such as the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), design agencies (LANL, Sandia National Lab (SNL), and Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL), and LANL program management organizations to deliver on challenging national security objectives. DP upholds vigorous teamwork, personal integrity, respect in the workplace, and continuous improvement in operations, technical excellence, safety, and security. DP-3 is seeking a Research Technician to support detonator manufacturing operations for LANL's core weapons mission and other related programs.

The successful candidate will work under operational supervision of the First Line Manager (FLM) to set up and perform manufacturing processes using various tools, equipment, and instrumentation such as laser welders, lasers, mechanical, pneumatic, and electro-servo presses, machine tools, microscopes, robotics, various precision hand tools, etc.

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

This position will assist in providing detonation related products and services to assist in the protection of our nation and promote world stability. As a Research Tec 2, you will report directly to the First Line Manager (FLM) in Detonator Production Manufacturing Operations (DP-3) and collaborate closely with colleagues. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Perform work as an intermediate technician with manufacturing processes.
  • Handle hazardous materials to include High Explosives, chemicals such as ethanol and acetone, and various potting and adhesive compounds.
  • Perform precision assembly of various components in a Closed Area while working and adhering to approved procedures for research and development (R&D) and war reserve (WR) products.
  • Handle small, fragile parts and perform repetitive tasks over extended periods of time with stringent attention to detail, manufacturing parts within production schedule time constraints.
  • Maintain required safety and security training and assure compliance; make safety and security an integral part of every task. Take steps to stop work if unsafe conditions exist or security is compromised.


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

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, the Research Technician 3 will be:

  • Capable of Understanding and working with instructional work documents (IWDs), manufacturing equipment, and manufacturing quality processes.
  • Able to provide process improvement input to IWDs with support from lead or management.
  • Able to perform non-routine tasks, exercising independent judgment, and a questioning attitude.
  • Able to understand schedule and production needs relayed by a team lead, or first line manager (FLM).


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Proactive initiative in contributing to overall group success.
  • Demonstrated advanced ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans, emergency, safeguards, and security procedures.
  • Ability to perform routine tasks independently and exercise independent judgment.
  • Capable of staying on task with little supervision and minimizing distraction to meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated advanced commitment to working and performing in a formalized, operationally intensive production environment.
  • Utilize effective communication to work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, administrative staff, and team members promoting a positive work environment with good work ethics.
  • Capable of receiving coaching and training from peers.
  • Excellent time management skills, and ability to organize and prioritize tasks for effective accomplishment of project goals.
  • Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance which normally requires US citizenship.
  • Fosters a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.


Additional Job Requirements for Research Tec 3:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

  • Ability to effectively coach and train peers in the future.
  • A high degree of personal accountability and initiative.


Education/Experience for Research Tec 2: Position requires a High School diploma and a minimum of 3 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for Research Tec 3: 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 for both levels (2/3):

  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and understand dimensional and physical tolerances.
  • Knowledge of statistical process control methods and implementation.
  • Experience and knowledge safely using hand tools, welders, hydraulic presses, or laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
  • Ability to ensure hazards and controls are identified, addressed, and implemented in procedures and operations.
  • Ability to practically apply Human Performance Improvement and Conduct of Operations principles.
  • Active DOE Q Clearance


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.

Please include a cover letter that addresses each of the minimum requirements and as many of the desired skills as applicable to your expertise.

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.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule in Detonator Production is a 4/10 schedule (Monday-Thursday). This position may occasionally require a 5-day work week depending on operational needs.

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.