What You Will Do

The Quantum Group (MPA-Q) in the Materials Physics & Applications Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking candidates for a Research Technician 2 to support a wide variety of experimental research. This research contributes to LANL mission interests in energy, security, and nuclear weapons programs. MPA-Q performs experiments in areas involving high consequences for safety, such as high-power lasers, high magnetic fields, and cryogens. MPA-Q is comprised of research scientists, engineers, technicians, postdocs, and students specializing in experimental physics research, with a strong emphasis on fundamental condensed matter physics with complimentary thrusts in correlated electron materials, high magnetic-field science, thermal physics, and fundamental and applied research in physics.

The successful candidate will work closely with a diverse group of staff members and senior technicians on projects and programs for both internal and external customers. This individual will provide technical support for these activities including assembly, modification, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of equipment used in experimental work that enable key experimental capabilities (e.g., pumps, compressors, electro/mechanical equipment, optical devices, analytical instrumentation, gloveboxes, lasers, radiographic equipment, high vacuum and pressure systems, and cryogenic equipment). In addition, the candidate will help operate the group's helium liquefier and liquid nitrogen dispensing equipment, help with the logistics associated with general shop housekeeping, ensuring that group members have access to the needed hardware, tooling, compressed gases, vacuum pumps, and related components required to reach project milestones. At this level in the R&D Technician job series, the selected candidate will receive detailed and specific instructions and works on routine and some non-routine tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Responsibilities can develop into great depth of knowledge in one functional area, or knowledge in more than one functional area, as one moves up in job level. Interpersonal communication and teamwork are important elements of this work environment.

Research Technician 2 ($52,400 - $80,600)

Job Duties:

• Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Assures safety and security compliance, maintains required safety and security training, and makes 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.

• Work with scientists, postdocs, and technologists to achieve scientific and technical goals.

• Install, maintain, and repair vacuum pumps, compressors, and other electro-mechanical equipment.

• Participate in equipment moves and salvage operations, assist in forklift and crane operation activities, and materials logistics and inventory that involve compressed gases, vacuum pumps/components, chemicals, cryogens, tooling, and hardware.

• Interface with the group and facility management to report and address building issues.

• Assist in technical shop work (machining, plumbing, electronics, mechanical or carpentry) to meet project objectives.

• Operate cryogen generating and dispensing systems and fulfill cryogenic dewar orders.

• Assist in the preparation of safety documents, work procedures, and assembly plans.

• Analyzes routine findings and data, develops preliminary interpretation of results, summarizes outcomes, and plan next stages of routine technical work. Works primarily with supervisor in the conduct of the technical work.

• Fosters a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Experience with general fabrication techniques (layout, importance of square, plum and level) and use of general hand/power tools.

• Experience working with small, delicate hardware, like micro-electronics.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) and basic computer processes.

• Experience maintaining shop organization and readiness - inventory, procurement, orderliness.

• Demonstrated experience working successfully on a diverse team.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet multiple deliverables within a fixed timeframe.

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), adaptability, and creative problem solving.

• Rigorous attention to detail and self-motivating.

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 :

• Experience with mechanical repair of engines, pumps, or compressors.

• Experience with forklift and/or hoisting and rigging operations.

• Experience with machine-tooling shop equipment (manual lathe/mill, bandsaw, hydraulic press, etc.).

• Experience with welding.

• Basic working knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and/or engineering.

Note to Applicants : For full consideration, applicant must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses how they embody the required and desired skills.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, twisting the trunk or back, reaching overhead, applying torque with hands or arms, fine motor control, use of both hands, lifting 30 pounds.

Work Environment : Working near machinery with moving parts, cleaning chemicals, wearing personal protective equipment (safety glasses, face shield, mask, hand protection, and safety shoes).

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.

No Clearance : Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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, 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.