Advanced Experimental Design and Analysis (Engineering Technologist 2/3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gym

Relocation

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM seeks an Engineering Technologist to join the Pit Manufacturing and Surveillance teams. The role requires initiative, teamwork, and potential for leadership at higher levels while supporting inductive heating, furnaces, vacuum systems, PLCs, and high‑voltage systems.

Responsibilities include developing manufacturing improvements, mentoring staff, and contributing to equipment development and process enhancements with emphasis on safety,

Qualifications

• Independent work with minimal guidance and strong initiative.
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Solid knowledge of scientific principles, experimental processes, and data analysis.
• Technical leadership in area of expertise.
• Experience documenting technical work and reports.
• Ability to develop new manufacturing techniques and goals.
• Understand DOE/NNSA codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve manufacturing processes and equipment health tracking.
• Lead small teams and act as SME on assigned projects.
• Integrate data across technical areas and monitor equipment performance.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to project development.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance in operations.

Skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Technical leadership

Documentation

Problem solving

Safety compliance

DOE/NNSA codes

Product/process design

Q clearance potential

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Postgraduate coursework desirable

Tools

Allen Bradley RSLogix

Programmable logic controllers

Job description

What You Will Do

The successful candidate for this job will use the principles and theories of engineering design to solve technical problems in support of engineering for Pit Manufacturing and Surveillance in the PU Sustainment and Directed Stockpile Work programs at LANL. The job supports engineering projects in the development of procedures that meet nuclear Conduct of Operations requirements. These are complex and demanding assignments requiring initiative and independent judgment. The candidate will work independently, as part of a team, and contribute to continuous process improvement to meet customer requirements.

Engineering Technologist 2

As an Engineering Technologist 2, you will be a key member of the team, contributing to groundbreaking projects that impact national security. You will collaborate with senior technologists and engineers to perform advanced technical work in areas such as inductive heating, high‑temperature furnaces, vacuum pumps, cooling skids, automated PLC systems, and high‑voltage electricity. Your role will involve resolving complex problems, troubleshooting equipment issues, and ensuring the safety and security of the environment. You will also have the opportunity to implement manufacturing improvements, mentor junior staff, and contribute to project development.

Engineering Technologist 3

In addition to the responsibilities outlined at the lower level, an Engineering Technologist 3 will take on a leadership role in developing innovative solutions for complex research projects. You will lead small teams, act as a subject matter expert, and make significant contributions to equipment development, manufacturing process improvements, and maintenance. Your work will involve integrating data across multiple technical areas and tracking equipment health and stability through statistical methods.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated experience working independently with general instruction and technical guidance provided from the first line manager, team leader, or process engineer.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and formal environment.
• Demonstrated depth of knowledge in scientific principles, experimental processes, and data analysis methods.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in area of expertise.
• Proven ability to contribute to the development of new techniques and manufacturing goals.
• Experience in preparing documentation and technical reports.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry, regulatory, DOE/NNSA complex codes, standards and criteria pertinent to the particular area of research.
• Develops specifications for product/system/equipment design and/or production processes in support of manufacturing.
• Ability to obtain a Department of Energy Q‑clearance.
• Ability to acquire and retain Human Reliability Program (HRP) certification.
• Ability to acquire and retain Fissionable Material Handler (FMH) certification.
• Demonstrated experience performing formal on‑the‑job training (OJT) and evaluating performance demonstrations.

Additional Job Requirements for Engineering Technologist 3

• Expert‑level knowledge and demonstrated breadth in related subject areas.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge and refined skills in area of technical specialty, experience in specialized experimental processes, mathematical formulas, computations, data reduction methods, and data gathering methods.
• Develops new techniques, concepts, experimental design, and/or innovative solutions to complex problems in area of specialty training and across related subject areas.
• Demonstrated experience covering either a large project or several smaller projects contributing to an overall program.
• Demonstrated experience in operations and technical support in laboratory and field work environments.
• Mentoring junior staff.
• Track record of excellence and reliability in leadership positions.

Training and Certifications

Calibrated instrumentation use/maintenance (thermocouples, transducers, flow meters, temperature sensors, etc.), programmable logic controllers, vacuum systems.

Education and Experience

Lower level: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Higher level: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Post‑graduate coursework may be desirable.

DOE Order 426.2: Requires a high school diploma.

Desired Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field preferred – Preference will be given for those with technologist degrees or significant experience in maintenance work and equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience working in high‑consequence safety environments (e.g., high temperature foundries, high powered welding, chemical processing).
• Demonstrated knowledge of high voltage safety (NFPA70E, OSHA 1910.333).
• Familiarity with vacuum pump types and pressure transducers.
• Ability to read and interpret hydraulic schematics and thermal analysis data.
• Proficient with ladder logic (Allen Bradley RSLogix).
• Knowledge of DOE/NNSA complex codes and standards.
• Active security clearance.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Glovebox experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a broad range of techniques, including experience using induction heating technologies, furnace operations, vacuum systems, and/or high‑hazard electrical systems.

Essential Job Functions

Reading vision, ability to speak, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz), sitting, standing, walking, crouching, reaching, use of both arms, applying torque with hands/arms, gripping with hands, and lifting 30+ pounds.

Work Environment

Work occurs primarily in a laboratory or glovebox environment near sources of ionizing radiation. Personal protective equipment includes eye protection, gloves, protective coveralls, shoe covers, and occasional respirator.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite 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. 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 the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. 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. The position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 712, which includes ongoing drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

DOE Order 426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities.

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.

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.