Experimental Field Research Technician 4/5
Los Alamos National Laboratory
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Job summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a Research Technician 4/5 to fabricate, repair and modify specialized equipment for spectroscopy research. You will support experimental operations, operate cranes and forklifts, and design parts using hand tools and shop equipment. This role requires collaborative work, adherence to procedures, and potential U.S.
citizenship for security clearances. Positions are based in Los Alamos, NM, with responsibilities spanning indoor workshops and outdoor test
Qualifications
- Familiar operating hand tools and machine shop equipment.
- Manufacture and modify parts made from typical materials.
- Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and exhibiting collaborative behavior.
- Experience with procedure review and following IWD or other work instructions.
- Experience maintaining and organizing tools, scientific equipment and specialized space.
- Ability to work outdoors; able to obtain respirator certification.
- Ability to obtain a Q clearance which typically requires U.S. citizenship.
Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on technical support across diverse experimental operations.
- Operate cranes for lifts, drive forklifts, use power tools.
- Design, modify and fabricate parts and instrumentation.
- Oversee machine shop and outdoor test facility; assist training new personnel.
- Coordinate equipment ordering and maintenance; ensure installations are compliant.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
The Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (C-PCS) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is looking for a talented research technician with experience as a mechanic fabricating, maintaining and modifying specialized equipment and parts. Our group engages in multi-disciplinary research focused on the use of spectroscopy to investigate a variety of complex problems. The group is seeking a person with expertise in one or more of these focused areas of research. #chemistry, #cpcs, #chemtec This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 4 or 5 level depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level. The selected candidate will contribute to world-class scientific research by providing hands-on technical support across diverse experimental operations. We are seeking an experienced technician with strong practical skills in tool use, equipment repair, modification and fabrication-someone who can troubleshoot, adapt, and create solutions to experimental operations. The successful candidate will operate cranes for critical and non-critical lifts, drive forklifts, use various power tools, and work both indoors and outdoors. This role involves designing, modifying, and fabricating parts and instrumentation using hand tools to support experimental work, often requiring creative problem-solving and adaptability. Administrative responsibilities include equipment ordering and maintenance, seeking operational approvals, overseeing installations and training new personnel. The position also includes some oversight of the machine shop and outdoor test facility. Prior experience with pumps, valves, process control systems and high-pressure/vacuum systems is highly desirable. The ability to lift 50 lbs, travel, and obtain respirator and forklift certifications is required.
- Familiar operating hand tools and machine shop equipment
- Manufacture and modify parts made from typical materials.
- Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and exhibiting collaborative behavior.
- Demonstrated experience working with and following procedures.
- Experience with procedure review and following IWD or other work instructions.
- Experience maintaining and organizing tools, scientific equipment and specialized space.
- Ability to work outdoors
- Ability to become certified to wear a respirator.
- Ability to obtain a Q clearance which typically requires U.S. citizenship.
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
The Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (C-PCS) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is looking for a talented research technician with experience as a mechanic fabricating, maintaining and modifying specialized equipment and parts. Our group engages in multi-disciplinary research focused on the use of spectroscopy to investigate a variety of complex problems. The group is seeking a person with expertise in one or more of these focused areas of research. #chemistry, #cpcs, #chemtec This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 4 or 5 level depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level. The selected candidate will contribute to world-class scientific research by providing hands‑on technical support across diverse experimental operations. We are seeking an experienced technician with strong practical skills in tool use, equipment repair, modification and fabrication-someone who can troubleshoot, adapt and create solutions to experimental operations. The successful candidate will operate cranes for critical and non‑critical lifts, drive forklifts, use various power tools, and work both indoors and outdoors. This role involves designing, modifying and fabricating parts and instrumentation using hand tools to support experimental work, often requiring creative problem‑solving and adaptability. Administrative responsibilities include equipment ordering and maintenance, seeking operational approvals, overseeing installations and training new personnel. The position also includes some oversight of the machine shop and outdoor test facility. Prior experience with pumps, valves, process control systems and high‑pressure/vacuum systems is highly desirable. The ability to lift 50 lbs, travel and obtain respirator and forklift certifications is required.
- Familiar operating hand tools and machine shop equipment
- Manufacture and modify parts made from typical materials.
- Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and exhibiting collaborative behavior.
- Demonstrated experience working with and following procedures.
- Experience with procedure review and following IWD or other work instructions.
- Experience maintaining and organizing tools, scientific equipment and specialized space.
- Ability to work outdoors
- Ability to become certified to wear a respirator.
- Ability to obtain a Q clearance which typically requires U.S. citizenship.
- Familiar operating hand tools and machine shop equipment
- Manufacture and modify parts made from typical materials.
- Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and exhibiting collaborative behavior.
- Demonstrated experience working with and following procedures.
- Experience with procedure review and following IWD or other work instructions.
- Experience maintaining and organizing tools, scientific equipment and specialized space.
- Ability to work outdoors
- Ability to become certified to wear a respirator.
- Ability to obtain a Q clearance which typically requires U.S. citizenship.
- Demonstrated skills/experience/specialized training for work in a machine shop.
- Proficient ability to setup and operate manual equipment and CMC.
- Experience with independent verbal and hands‑on coordination with support organizations to complete assigned duties.
- Experience managing day‑to‑day activities and maintaining work authorizations.
- Proven experience independently designing and fabricating specialized parts
- Experience with procedure writing
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings
- Experience working with electrical and pressurized systems
- Experience creating CAD/CAM files or G&M code.
- Expert ability to setup and operate manual equipment and CMC.
Position requires an Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
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.
- Familiarity working in a machine shop and using hand tools
- Familiar CAD/CAM files or G&M code
- Licensed forklift operator
- Rad Worker II training
- Familiarity working with/on pressure systems
- Experience working outdoors
- Active Q clearance
For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume and a cover letter that addresses each of the required and desired skills for the position. Please indicate if you are applying for the Technician 4/5. 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.
Ability to work in a wide range of ambient temperatures, working in a machine shop, operate specialized heavy equipment, operation of motor vehicles, near machinery with moving parts and working outdoors. Wear necessary safety equipment including glasses or eye protection, mask or respirator, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes, and seat belt and driving the speed limit.
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular‑status positions are converted to regular status.
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.
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