Engineering Technologist 1

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance with nationwide network

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) plan with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

On-site gyms

Job summary

A leading national laboratory in Los Alamos is seeking an Engineering Technologist to join the Power Supply Production Division. The role involves hands-on work with materials characterization and supporting plutonium processing. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology or a related field, strong laboratory skills, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team. The position may require flexible work hours, including shifts and weekends. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, 401(k) matching, and flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to collect high-quality data safely in a controlled environment.
• Ability to document work clearly and maintain logs.
• Experience in planning and executing tasks independently.

Responsibilities

• Execute calibration checks and preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Evaluate process data and document results.
• Develop and improve operating procedures and technical documents.

Skills

Ability to operate laboratory equipment

Knowledge of scientific principles

Ability to follow procedures

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology or related field

Tools

SEM

Optical microscopy

Particle size analysis tools

Job description

What You Will Do

The Power Supply Production Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for an exceptional Engineering Technologist (ET) to support materials characterization and metallography for plutonium processing and associated R&D‑to‑production transitions within the PF‑4 facility. You will work on a multidisciplinary team (engineers, scientists, technologists, and technicians) to develop, execute, improve, and document characterization methods and production‑support measurements. The majority of daily work is hands‑on glovebox work supporting plutonium processing, performed with detailed operating procedures under Conduct of Operations, nuclear criticality safety, material control and accountability, radiological safety, and environmental compliance requirements.

Core Responsibilities

• Execute calibration checks, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination with vendors/engineers to sustain instrument readiness.
• Evaluate process/measurement data; identify anomalies; document results in controlled formats; maintain data repositories so results are traceable and usable by others.
• Contribute to procedure development and improvement: draft/maintain operating procedures, test instructions, and technical work documents consistent with PF‑4 requirements.
• Participate in technical and planning meetings; communicate status, risks, and results clearly to internal customers.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to safely operate, check, and maintain laboratory or analytical equipment to collect reliable, high‑quality data in a controlled environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic scientific and engineering principles, including data collection methods, fundamental statistics, and routine technical calculations.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures and work instructions in a formal, safety‑and‑compliance‑driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to document work clearly and accurately, including maintaining logs, recording experimental data, and contributing to technical reports or procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute assigned tasks with minimal oversight, manage time effectively, and communicate status or risks to supervisors.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting engineers, scientists, operations, and quality personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to apply standard principles, practices, and procedures to solve technical problems of limited to moderate scope.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in controlled laboratory environments such as gloveboxes.
• Hands‑on experience with materials or powder characterization techniques, including sample preparation, optical microscopy, SEM support, or similar laboratory methods.
• Experience operating or supporting analytical instrumentation such as SEM, laser diffraction particle size analysis, surface area analysis, LIBS, XRF, or related tools.
• Experience contributing to method development, process investigations, or transitioning laboratory methods toward production or operational use.
• Experience authoring or revising controlled documentation such as operating procedures, test instructions, or technical reports used by others.
• Basic working knowledge of CAD, drafting, or engineering design tools.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across organizations (engineering, science, production, and quality) to support technical problem‑solving and project execution.
• Experience presenting technical results in team meetings, reviews, or other formal settings.
• Active DOE “Q” clearance or ability to obtain; willingness to support Human Reliability Program (HRP) requirements if applicable.

Education and Experience

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math, or related degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
• Position may be subject to DOE Order 426.2 and related directives ensuring entry‑level eligibility.

Work Schedule

Position may require 24/7 coverage, including shift and weekend work. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 401(k) plan (6% matching plus 3.5% annually).
• Tuition assistance and learning opportunities.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• On‑site gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages for out‑of‑area applicants.

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 applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.