Space Instrument Mechanical Technologist (Engineering Technologist 1/2)
- Req. Number: IRC143896
- Organization : ISR-5/Space Instrument Realization Group
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
The ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks an Engineering Technologist to join our Mechanical Fabrication and Assembly Team. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and creative problem-solver motivated to design and build a wide range of complex electromechanical instruments and systems. ISR-5 provides engineering and technical expertise to develop and deploy high-quality space- and ground-based innovative measurement systems for national security and basic space science applications. The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory has been designing, building, and operating highly innovative ground, air and space-based measurement and detection systems for 60 years. Our work includes space-based measurement systems for verification of international nuclear treaties, basic scientific missions, nuclear nonproliferation, space situational awareness, and remote sensing. In addition, we lead experiments on NASA missions, including the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars Rovers, Van Allen Probes, IMAP, and IBEX.
The successful candidate will develop, design, and fabricate parts, fixtures, and assemblies used in a wide range of satellite hardware and ground support equipment. This position will be a critical member of a highly functioning team of technicians, engineers, and scientists that interact regularly with government organizations and commercial partners, provide guidance to project teams on best approaches, and in many cases be a single point of contact for all fabrication for this important hardware. Adherence to safety, security, and best fabrication practices is imperative for success in this position. The successful candidate is expected to make safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security. The ideal candidate will differentiate themselves through enthusiasm, a passion for space, and a strong collaborative mindset. On any given day, you may be called to:
- Lead design of a payload electrical and mechanical subsystems or assemblies within a technical project
- Use engineering design software such as SolidWorks, Creo, or similar tools.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and understand and implement GD&T.
- Collaborate and partner with other team members on technical research and data gathering for engineering analysis.
- Perform engineering calculations to support project needs.
- Fabricate mechanical components and fixtures with CNC machines, mills, lathes, laser etchers, 3D printers, and other shop equipment.
- Author, execute, and troubleshoot detailed test procedures for complex subassemblies and integrated instrument-level testing.
- Help diagnose anomalies, failures, or malfunctions, replace defective components, and perform basic troubleshooting.
Assist in engineering studies to formulate and evaluate design criteria for structures, systems and equipment. Apply basic knowledge of the principles and theories of engineering, mathematics and science to solve technical problems. Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) and CAD/CAM software, industrial control software and word processing software at a basic working level. Assist with technical research and gather data needed by engineers. Provide technical direction to design and drafting personnel in preparation of drawings. Perform detailed review of drawings to ensure drafting/design accuracy, completeness, and format suitability. Assist in product design, development and production processes. Prepare, review, and document technical information.
Engineering Technologist 2 ($96,600 - $158,000) duties include those listed above, and in addition:
Resolve a wide range of issues in creative ways, including careful data analysis. Contribute to the development of the organization's goals and objectives. Determine approaches to solutions, plans, and schedules, and exercise independence in accomplishing objectives. Support studies to formulate, determine, and evaluate design criteria. Contribute to the planning, coordination, and preparation of equipment or work specifications, bid evaluations, and award recommendations for equipment. Prepare input data and generate computerized solutions for technical problems. Assist engineers in reviewing and recommending action on complex technical problems. Assist engineers in preparing feasibility studies for equipment, materials, and engineering methods. Review bid analyses and make recommendations. Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, CAD, and CAD/CAM software, and industrial control software within area of discipline; and word processing software at a proficient working level. Prepare, review and document technical information.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Problem Solving:
Demonstrated ability to identify problems and generate solutions. Ability to absorb large volumes of information from a variety of sources and synthesize it into key elements and requirements. Strong attention to detail. Ability to understand and navigate policies and processes.
Communication & Teaming:
Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with teams of diverse technical backgrounds in pursuit of innovative solutions to complex problems. Demonstrated teambuilding or integration in larger teams. Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication, active listening, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Technical:
Experience and demonstrated skill conducting research, developing alternative approaches, and recommending solutions for complex electromechanical problems. Demonstrated experience handling delicate parts and instruments while performing mechanical inspection and assembly. Ability to read, understand, review, and edit engineering procedures, drawings, layouts, and other related instructions. Ability to perform calculations and analyses in support of design engineering.
Safety:
Safety and security are the highest priority for executing work at Los Alamos. Candidate must have demonstrated record of commitment to safety, security, environment, and quality.
Security Clearance:
The ability to obtain a Q clearance is required.
Additional Job Requirements for Engineering Technologist 2:
Technical:
Advanced skill in mechanical and electrical fabrication, engineering, and development, troubleshooting, testing, and verification. Demonstrated experience with a wide range of fabrication machinery and equipment including specialty hardware. Experience leading portions of technical mechanical or fabrication projects. Sufficient experience to be a resource for other staff with questions about approaches and best practices for fabrication and assembly. Experience designing, testing, and integrating spaceflight hardware or assemblies of similar complexity and delicacy. Ability to apply working knowledge of the principles and theories of engineering, mathematics, and science to solve technical problems. Ability to perform complex calculations and analyses in support of design engineering.
Leadership:
Demonstrated experience mentoring staff. Expert verbal and written skills that capture knowledge and proactively transfer it to others. Needs both the technical credibility to lead small teams and the interpersonal skills to resolve conflict and manage those teams effectively. Ability to represent the machine shop with ISR project teams, other groups within LANL, and with external vendors and customers.
Timeliness:
Experience delivering products on schedule while being involved in multiple projects with competing priorities. Ability to learn and mentor and be mentored to complete job functions as part of a team and execute tasks independently.
Education/Experience for lower level: Position requires Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience for high level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree and 5 years of directly related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience working with spaceflight hardware
- Demonstrated knowledge of electronics, electronic fabrication, cable assembly
- Demonstrated experience working with and handling classified information
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.
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. 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.