Special Materials Machinist 3/4
- Req. Number: IRC137833
- Organization : PT-2 Plutonium Machining
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is the nation's premier plutonium center of excellence. At LANL, we ensure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile while advancing research in national security, space exploration, geophysics, renewable energy, supercomputing, medicine, and nanotechnology. Our advanced nuclear facility emphasizes precision machining and strict adherence to industry standards in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
The Pit Technologies (PT) Division, part of the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP), is instrumental in delivering top-quality plutonium pit-related products and services. This division is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the performance of nuclear components while following rigorous compliance and safety protocols.
As a Special Materials Machinist 3 or 4 in the PT-2 Machining Group, you will manufacture prototype and production parts from specialized materials such as plutonium, uranium, beryllium, and high explosives. These hazardous materials require precision machining in gloveboxes or specially controlled environments with strict safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
Assignments may range from routine tasks to original problem-solving efforts depending on level. Machinist 3s focus on execution under defined parameters, while Machinist 4s often take the lead in project development, technical feedback, and mentoring. You will collaborate with requestors to ensure manufacturability while meeting tight tolerances and material specifications.
Given the complexity of this work, certifications such as Glovebox Worker II (GB), Fissile Material Handler (FMH), Beryllium Worker, and Radiation Training will be required. An active enrollment in the Human Reliability Program (HRP) and a Q clearance are also required.
This role involves physical activity and PPE usage in dynamic environments. You must be comfortable working with protective gear (hearing protection, respirators, etc.) and traveling between work areas on foot, shuttle, or vehicle. Effective communication is critical for documenting processes and collaborating across teams.
Special Material Machinist 3 ($71,200 - $112,900)
We are seeking a highly skilled machinist with expertise in both manual and CNC machining, capable of manufacturing complex parts to tight tolerances. The ideal candidate will be proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting CAD models and G&M code, and using precision measuring tools and shop mathematics. Experience with hand tools, CAD/CAM creation, and safe operation of machinery is essential. Strong analytical skills are required, including the ability to follow established procedures, troubleshoot machining issues, and contribute to process improvements. This role involves regular collaboration with engineers and technicians, as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Candidates should have experience handling hazardous materials in glovebox environments or similarly controlled settings. Compliance with safety certifications, HRP enrollment, and security clearance requirements are mandatory.
Special Material Machinist 4 ($85,900 - $139,900)
In addition to the core requirements, qualification at the higher level requires expert-level proficiency in advanced machining practices, particularly involving specialized materials under strict safety standards. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to evaluate part designs for manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and scheduling feasibility. A deep understanding of engineering principles, material properties, and tolerance analysis is essential. This role also demands proven leadership, including mentoring and training less experienced machinists, and taking a lead role in machining projects to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards. Strong project management skills are required, with the ability to coordinate with stakeholders to meet technical and scheduling requirements. The candidate must lead, by example, in both safety practices and continuous improvement initiatives, actively contributing to process enhancements for greater efficiency and quality.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Additional Job Requirements for the Special Materials Machinist 4:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Education/Experience Special Material Machinist 3: Position requires an Associate's Degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 4 year's related experience; OR, 6 year's prototype experience; OR, Journeyperson qualification program and 4 years of experience.
Education/Experience Special Material Machinist 4: Position requires an Associate's Degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 6 years of experience; OR, 8 years prototype experience; OR, Journeyperson qualification program and 6 years of experience.
Desired Qualifications:
Candidates at this level have demonstrated expertise beyond the journeyman level, applying extensive knowledge and skills to specialized tasks. A comprehensive understanding of machining processes, tools, operations, and tolerances is necessary, along with an ability to evaluate complex designs and advise on manufacturability, and scheduling. The ability to train and mentor others is highly desirable.
Prior experience machining hazardous materials and working with classified matter is preferred. Familiarity with classified computing and data management is an asset. An active DOE "Q" clearance or an equivalent security clearance is strongly preferred.
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.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, 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.
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. 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 opt. 3.
Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is the nation's premier plutonium center of excellence. At LANL, we ensure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile while advancing research in national security, space exploration, geophysics, renewable energy, supercomputing, medicine, and nanotechnology. Our advanced nuclear facility emphasizes precision machining and strict adherence to industry standards in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
The Pit Technologies (PT) Division, part of the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP), is instrumental in delivering top-quality plutonium pit-related products and services. This division is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the performance of nuclear components while following rigorous compliance and safety protocols.
As a Special Materials Machinist 3 or 4 in the PT-2 Machining Group, you will manufacture prototype and production parts from specialized materials such as plutonium, uranium, beryllium, and high explosives. These hazardous materials require precision machining in gloveboxes or specially controlled environments with strict safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
Assignments may range from routine tasks to original problem-solving efforts depending on level. Machinist 3s focus on execution under defined parameters, while Machinist 4s often take the lead in project development, technical feedback, and mentoring. You will collaborate with requestors to ensure manufacturability while meeting tight tolerances and material specifications.
Given the complexity of this work, certifications such as Glovebox Worker II (GB), Fissile Material Handler (FMH), Beryllium Worker, and Radiation Training will be required. An active enrollment in the Human Reliability Program (HRP) and a Q clearance are also required.
This role involves physical activity and PPE usage in dynamic environments. You must be comfortable working with protective gear (hearing protection, respirators, etc.) and traveling between work areas on foot, shuttle, or vehicle. Effective communication is critical for documenting processes and collaborating across teams.
Special Material Machinist 3 ($71,200 - $112,900)
We are seeking a highly skilled machinist with expertise in both manual and CNC machining, capable of manufacturing complex parts to tight tolerances. The ideal candidate will be proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting CAD models and G&M code, and using precision measuring tools and shop mathematics. Experience with hand tools, CAD/CAM creation, and safe operation of machinery is essential. Strong analytical skills are required, including the ability to follow established procedures, troubleshoot machining issues, and contribute to process improvements. This role involves regular collaboration with engineers and technicians, as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Candidates should have experience handling hazardous materials in glovebox environments or similarly controlled settings. Compliance with safety certifications, HRP enrollment, and security clearance requirements are mandatory.
Special Material Machinist 4 ($85,900 - $139,900)
In addition to the core requirements, qualification at the higher level requires expert-level proficiency in advanced machining practices, particularly involving specialized materials under strict safety standards. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to evaluate part designs for manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and scheduling feasibility. A deep understanding of engineering principles, material properties, and tolerance analysis is essential. This role also demands proven leadership, including mentoring and training less experienced machinists, and taking a lead role in machining projects to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards. Strong project management skills are required, with the ability to coordinate with stakeholders to meet technical and scheduling requirements. The candidate must lead, by example, in both safety practices and continuous improvement initiatives, actively contributing to process enhancements for greater efficiency and quality.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, following established procedures for machining precision parts.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance. As well as obtain and maintain active enrollment in the Human Reliability Program (HRP).
- Fully proficient knowledge of applied material properties and the ability to interpret engineering drawings.
- Skilled ability performing precision measurements along with the ability to use hand tools and supporting shop equipment with no supervision.
- Skilled ability to set up manual equipment with no supervision.
- Skilled ability to set up and operate CNC equipment with no supervision.
- Skilled ability to create CAD/CAM files or G&M code.
Additional Job Requirements for the Special Materials Machinist 4:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
- Lead and mentor less experienced machinists, fostering professional development within the team.
- Evaluate complex part designs for manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and scheduling feasibility, advising engineers and project stakeholders.
- Take ownership of machining projects, coordinating technical execution to meet safety, quality, and delivery standards.
- Contribute original technical solutions and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance machining processes and operational efficiency.
- Perform work independently without appreciable direction, with work reviewed from a long-term results perspective.
- Comprehensive understanding of machining processes, tools, and operations to obtain various tolerances.
- Comprehensive knowledge and ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
- Expert ability to set up operate manual equipment.
- Expert ability to set up and operate CNC equipment.
- Expert ability to create CAD/CAM files or G&M code.
- Ability to review designs and advise on part manufacturability, cost and schedule.
Education/Experience Special Material Machinist 3: Position requires an Associate's Degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 4 year's related experience; OR, 6 year's prototype experience; OR, Journeyperson qualification program and 4 years of experience.
Education/Experience Special Material Machinist 4: Position requires an Associate's Degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 6 years of experience; OR, 8 years prototype experience; OR, Journeyperson qualification program and 6 years of experience.
Desired Qualifications:
Candidates at this level have demonstrated expertise beyond the journeyman level, applying extensive knowledge and skills to specialized tasks. A comprehensive understanding of machining processes, tools, operations, and tolerances is necessary, along with an ability to evaluate complex designs and advise on manufacturability, and scheduling. The ability to train and mentor others is highly desirable.
Prior experience machining hazardous materials and working with classified matter is preferred. Familiarity with classified computing and data management is an asset. An active DOE "Q" clearance or an equivalent security clearance is strongly preferred.
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.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, 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.
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. 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 opt. 3.
