Welding & Joining Research Technician (Research Tec 5) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Welding & Joining Research Technician (Research Tec 5)

What You Will Do
The Sigma Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a hub of manufacturing science and metallurgical research, supporting a diverse customer base both internally and externally. The division's work spans the full range of materials on the periodic table, from hydrogen to uranium.
The Welding & Joining (W&J) team within Sigma is at the forefront of advanced joining techniques, encompassing electron beam welding, laser welding, laser marking, laser cutting and ablation, manual and semi-automatic arc welding, brazing, and more. The team collaborates closely with other LANL experts to investigate critical factors like residual stresses, material composition, and microstructure development.
As part of the W&J team, you will have the opportunity to conduct hands-on experimental research across this diverse array of manufacturing methods. This work will enable you to leverage and expand your knowledge while working with cutting-edge technology in these processing areas. You will play a key role in solving complex manufacturing challenges and driving innovation in welding and joining processes.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated experience with manufacturing operations in one or more of the following areas: electron beam welding, laser welding, laser marking, laser cutting and ablation, manual and semi-automatic arc welding, and brazing
  • Works independently to conduct technical research in the lab/work area, as discussed with supervisor.
  • Independently analyzes findings and data, develops preliminary interpretation of results, summarizes outcomes, and plans next stages of technical work
  • Contributes to the development of new procedures and protocols
  • Ability to mentor, train, and oversee technicians in areas of their expertise.
  • Possess high attention to detail including strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, observation skills and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment and adjust to changes.
  • Perform project related safety/security approvals and procurements.
  • Builds strong partnerships and interactive communications to ensure processing equipment and experiments are operated safely and securely.
  • Assist with scheduling, maintenance, supply inventory, and oversee repairs to equipment. Work with vendors to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation and equipment in the facility.
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/Experience: Requires an Associate's degree and 7 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated ability to work with hazardous materials, including radioactive and beryllium containing materials, in a safe and secure manor.
  • Experience with computer data acquisition systems on welding or fabrication equipment.
  • Experience and/or familiarity working with vacuum systems and/or leak detection equipment.
  • Experience maintaining, diagnosing, or repairing electronics equipment.
  • Formal training or experience in welding, brazing, additive manufacturing, machining, or heat-treating using either computer or manual controlled equipment.
  • Experience reading and assembling parts using drawings and schematics.

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)
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 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.