Research Technician 2 or 3
- Req. Number: IRC143943
- Organization : SIGMA-2/Finishing Manufacturing Science
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Recruiter Name: Norman, William Ray II
- Recruiter Email: wrnorman@lanl.gov
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join the Characterization and Special Projects Team of Sigma Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Sigma Division focuses on materials science and engineering, emphasizing metallurgical processes and research in support of the experimental testing program at Los Alamos. The Division is a service oriented capability that supports a broad customer base, both internal and external to LANL, with high quality one of a kind prototype components. The work ranges from unclassified to TS/SCI level security and covers all materials from hydrogen to uranium on the periodic chart. Performance of job responsibilities will involve exposure to hazards that include radiation generating devices, radioactive materials, acids/bases, organic solvents and other hazardous materials. This position requires excellent work ethic and team building skills, high level of initiative, and commitment to safety, quality, and documentation.
This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Research Technician 2 ($54,900 - $84,300)
SIGMA has a great opportunity for an outstanding candidate to join it as a Research Technician 2 or 3 which will provide entry level technician support in the field of metallography/materials science for the Division. The selected candidate will be expected to work under supervision within established procedures, processes, requirements or specifications to perform work on a variety of tasks and projects.
Specific duties of the Research Technician 2 position are:
- Provide standard sample preparation of metallographic samples for the purpose of examining specimens by optical microscopy methods.
- Conduct standard optical microscopy of metals and alloys for metallurgical characterization purposes.
- Perform macroscopic examination, imaging and hardness measurements on metallographic samples.
- Perform routine cleaning, maintenance, and adjustment of metallographic preparation equipment.
- Perform general lab housekeeping tasks.
Research Technician 3 ($66,100 - $103,600)
In addition to the responsibilities and activities listed above, the Research Technician 3 will be expected to:
- Have experience in sample preparation of metallographic samples.
- Have experience using an optical microscope and/or scanning electron microscope (SEM) for imaging samples.
- Assist laboratory users in standard sample preparation methods, i.e. polishing or etching, microscopic or macroscopic examination using optical microscopy, and hardness measurements.
- Manage chemical waste profiles for disposal according to environmental regulations.
- Interact with facility personnel for new equipment installation and/or facility maintenance.
- Assist with the development of safety documents for activities performed in the metallography lab, waste disposal, safety, and user training.
- Perform image analysis on optical and electron images for grain size, texture, etc. using ImageJ, MIPAR, CLEMEX, or other similar programs.
- Assist in the development of charts, graphs, and/or drawings for inclusion in reports for reference or instruction purposes.
What You Need
Minimum Qualifications:
- Basic knowledge of computer systems and applications including PC software and Microsoft Office suite.
- Ability to interact effectively with colleagues and external collaborators.
- Demonstrate superior verbal communication and teamwork.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans and Laboratory requirements.
- Ability to pass and maintain required training such as Rad Worker II and Nuclear Material Handler.
- Ability to follow safeguards and security procedures in accordance with the Laboratory policy.
- Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which generally requires U.S. Citizenship.
Desired Qualifications:
- Previous Experience with hardness testing and/or image analysis software.
- Experience in handling uranium and/or beryllium alloys.
- Previous experience with scanning electron microscopy.
Essential Job Functions:
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans and Laboratory requirements.
- Ability to pass and maintain required training.
- Ability to follow safeguards and security procedure in accordance with Laboratory policy.
- Color discrimination, peripheral vision, depth perception, binocular vision, reading vision.
- Use of both hands, use of both arms, pushing and pulling with hands and arms, and lifting 10-20 pounds.
- Ability to hear in a normal range (500-3000 Hz).
Education Requirements for level 2: High school diploma and a minimum of three years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Education Requirements for level 3: An Associates degree in a related field and three years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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: 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)
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 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, 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.