What You Will Do

The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) seeks a highly skilled and motivated technician to support plutonium research at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). MST-16 supports a variety of nuclear weapons related programs providing multidisciplinary expertise in actinide materials science using a comprehensive suite of destructive and nondestructive analytical techniques. Technical work is primarily performed in PF-4, a nuclear facility located on site at LANL.

Research Technician 5 ($83,900 - $136,600)

As a Research Technician 5, the selected candidate will be responsible for leading and performing work related to and in support of plutonium metal manufacturing processes, including equipment repair and maintenance, manufacturing research, production optimization, and process development. The specific duties of this position will require extensive technical glovebox and other hands-on radiological work (e.g., nuclear material handling, waste handling, and maintenance activity) in accordance with formal procedures at TA-55 and the LANL Conduct of Operations program. Additionally, the position will require detailed scheduling and coordination of activities with team members and within the nuclear facility, successfully interfacing with other groups, support organizations (radiation protection, waste, SAFE-NMCA, etc.) and other personnel at TA-55. The successful candidate will be a lead technician and will have a comprehensive knowledge of systems and processes, with the ability to work independently, integrate with other group capabilities, and mentor, train, and qualify team members.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct technical work in the laboratory with minimal supervision at an advanced technician level, including but not limited to:

• operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and systems

• providing technical leadership toward experimental and operational excellence.

• capturing and independently assessing/analyzing findings and data

• developing a preliminary interpretation of results, summarizing outcomes, and planning next stages of technical work.

• Experience in handling reactive and/or hazardous materials and working in areas involving high consequences for safety under strict compliance regulations.

• Ability to work effectively in a large, multi-disciplinary team and to mentor, train and qualify junior team members

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development and implementation of new techniques, processes, and procedures.

• Demonstrated willingness to take initiative, assume responsibility and work independently with a high degree of accuracy and minimal supervision.

• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance and HRP certification, which normally requires U.S. Citizenship.

• Ability to obtain Glovebox Operator Level II competencies and Fissile Material Handler (FMH) certification.

Education/Experience : Position 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 :

• Active Q clearance and HRP Certification

• Qualified Glovebox Operator Level II and certified FMH

• Demonstrated knowledge of glovebox work, working in respirators, and/or crane operations

• Qualified to at least one process or procedure relavent to the position.

• Experience in performing or supporting scientific experiments using analytical or research equipment (mechanical testers, vacuum systems, spectrometers, microscopes, etc.).

• Degree in STEM related field.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, your application must include a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills and a full resume.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation) : Depth perception, standing for long periods of time, climbing ladders, fine motor control.

Work Environment : Work near sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, use of PPE including eye protection and respirators.

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.

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 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.