Graduate Research Assistant for Thermomechanical Processing

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); Hybrid; USD 27,552 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Job summary

A research institution in Los Alamos, NM is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to assist in metallurgy and manufacturing projects. The role involves hands-on work with metal processing and contributing to technical research. Candidates should be enrolled in a relevant graduate program with a minimum GPA of 3.2. The position offers a hybrid work model, balancing on-site and off-site work, along with benefits like tuition assistance and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
• Experience contributing to R&D projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist with metal manufacturing research and development activities.
• Complete trainings on safety requirements for metals processing.
• Contribute to technical papers where required.

Skills

Basic knowledge in metallurgy or materials science

Proficiency in Microsoft applications

Interpersonal and communication skills

Education

Enrollment in a graduate program in a relevant major

Tools

Finite element modeling software

GCode

Job description

What You Will Do

The Thermomechanical Processing Science Team is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to assist research projects investigating the metallurgy of manufacturing. The team works on metal forming and heat-treating projects using equipment such as hydraulic presses, rolling mills, and vacuum heat-treating furnaces. The position supports a wide variety of programs with an emphasis on identifying creative solutions to meet customer needs. The successful candidate will work effectively with the team on projects in a science-based prototype manufacturing environment. The expected duration is 3 months on-site during the summer, with opportunities for small visits throughout the rest of the year.

• Assist with, and manage a small project scope related to metal manufacturing research and development activities, particularly with metal spinning.
• Learn and complete trainings on relevant safety requirements to perform hands-on metals processing work.
• Work with other teams to fulfill project requirements such as characterization, mechanical testing, modeling, etc.
• Contribute to technical papers where required.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Basic knowledge, along with any class project experience, in analysis or testing in one or more of the following engineering areas: metallurgy, materials science, or manufacturing.
• Understanding of microstructural development during metals manufacturing and heat-treating methods.
• Experience assisting or contributing to R&D projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and computer operations and computational engineering analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to interact with colleagues and customers.

Education/Experience:

• Must be enrolled (6 semester credit hours or full-time equivalent) in an accredited, degree-granting graduate level program (or international equivalent) in a relevant major (Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Science, etc.).
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with and understanding of the Metal Spinning process
• Experience with finite element modeling and/or GCode
• Familiarity with applying engineering simulations or modeling to production environments.
• Familiarity with heat transfer or stress analysis of manufacturing methods

Work Location

The work location for this position is hybrid and located in Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within a 2-hour ground commute of this location. All work locations are at management discretion and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions contained in the National Defense Authorization Act, certain foreign nationals may be prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities.

Required Application Materials

• Current resume
• Current official transcripts
• Personal statement of interest (not to exceed one page)

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parental leave, 401(k) with matching, learning opportunities and tuition assistance, flexible schedules and time off, onsite gyms and wellness programs, and relocation packages (where applicable).

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 — Employment requires a favorable decision by the National Nuclear Security Administration indicating suitability. Foreign nationals may be subject to related requirements. Clearance: Q level; US citizenship is typically required to obtain clearance. New-employment drug testing is required. Equal Opportunity: LANL is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations during the application process upon request.