Research Technician for Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group (Research Tec 2) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Research Technician for Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group (Research Tec 2)

What You Will Do

Are you good at hands-on work and looking for an interesting career in science? The Thermonuclear Plasma Physics group of Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Research Tec to build and test electronic and mechanical systems to support plasma physics experiments. The ideal candidate will contribute to research in intense radiation sources, magneto inertial fusion, and laboratory astro-physics and basic plasma science. There are also opportunities to support periodic off-site experiments at various facilities nationwide.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

This is a highly specialized field so on the job training will be provided. Applicants will be graded based on their potential for performing the following:
  • Ability to build and troubleshoot electrical systems. Work includes mounting, soldering, and wiring electrical components into custom built electrical equipment.
  • Ability to assemble and troubleshoot electromechanical systems including vacuum systems, pressure systems, control systems, relays, interlocks, etc.
  • Ability to set up equipment for experiments by using tools, lifting heavy objects (30 pounds), and climbing stairs and ladders.
  • Ability to use mechanical material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, dollies, carts, etc., and be capable of obtaining LANL forklift/crane certifications.
  • Ability to maintain and organize scientific instruments, tools, and laboratory spaces.
  • Ability to work collaboratively on a team.
  • Ability to perform work in a safe and secure manner, which includes following established rules, adhering to procedures and codes, and completing necessary training.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance, which usually requires U.S. citizenship
Education/Experience: 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.
Desired Qualifications:

These are skills that are nice to have, but not necessary and can be LANL specific, perhaps learned on the job:
  • Experience using computer design tools such as CAD.
  • Ability to participate in the hardware design process with team members and investigate alternative approaches and recommend solutions to technical problems.
  • Experience building and maintaining diagnostics and experimental subsystems (e.g., electrical and magnetic probes, optical systems, cables and shielding), organize and integrate subsystems into the overall experiment.

Essential Job Functions(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Lifting and carrying heavy objects (30+ pounds), climbing stairs and ladders.

Note to Applicants: Expected domestic travel one week every 2-3 months.

Work Environment

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.

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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.