Machinist 4

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC seeks a Machinist 4 to design, fabricate, and support high‑precision components for critical R&D programs. You will translate experimental needs into robust mechanical solutions, using LANL's TA-48 capabilities to deliver quality results for safety‑critical missions.

You will work with scientists and engineers in a fast‑paced, multi-disciplinary team, manage timelines, and uphold strict safety and QA standards in an on‑site Los Alamos environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent with six years of related experience.
• Experience using fabrication equipment (CNC/manual lathes/mills, EDM wire).
• Ability to document fabrication designs with accuracy.
• Eligibility to obtain a Q clearance (U.S. citizenship).

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate custom parts and systems for experiments and processes.
• Consult with internal customers to define requirements and solutions.
• Produce technical drawings, documentation, and QA materials.
• Manage project timelines with independence and accountability.
• Ensure safety, security, and quality assurance compliance.

Skills

Fabrication equipment proficiency

Customer interfacing

Team collaboration

Documentation of fabrication designs

Q clearance eligibility requirement

Education

AAS in Machining Technologies or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

What You Will Do

As a Machinist 4 reporting to the Trace Analytical Chemistry (TAC) Team within the Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group (C-NR), you will provide mechanical design, fabrication, and technical support for critical R&D and operational programs. Your work will directly support Chemistry Division as well as other customers with a focus on developing high-precision components and systems that meet stringent standards for FDA and DOE Bioassay compliance. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and researchers to translate complex experimental and operational needs into robust mechanical solutions. You will use the advanced design and fabrication capabilities at TA-48 to deliver high-quality, innovative results that drive scientific progress and mission success.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and fabricating custom parts and systems to support technical experiments and operational process flows.
• Consulting with internal customers to define requirements, provide design guidance, and determine optimal solutions.
• Producing technical drawings, documentation, and quality assurance materials in support of project deliverables.
• Managing project timelines and deliverables with a high degree of independence and accountability.
• Ensuring all work is performed in compliance with applicable safety, security, and quality assurance protocols.
• This is a hands‑on technical role ideal for a candidate who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment. You will contribute to cutting‑edge research and national security missions while operating with a high degree of autonomy and professionalism.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Experience using a variety of fabrication equipment (CNC and manual lathes and mills, EDM wire)
• Experience interfacing with a diverse customer base
• Working in a multi-disciplinary team environment as well as the ability to work independently with initiative
• Demonstrated ability to accurately document fabrication designs
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance which normally requires U.S. citizenship

Education/Experience: Position requires an Associate's Degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 6 years of experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in prototype design
• Experience using Solidworks software package
• Completion of a 4-year apprenticeship or equivalent
• Familiarity with 3‑D printing

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

Color discrimination, peripheral vision, depth perception, binocular vision, reading vision, ability to smell, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz), sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, twisting the trunk or back, reaching overhead, reaching horizontally, reaching down, gripping with the hands, applying torque with hands or arms, pressing with hands or arms, pushing with hands or arms, pulling with hands or arms, typing or keyboarding, fine motor control, use of both hands, use of both arms, use of both hands, use of both arms, lifting 1-5 pounds, lifting 5-10 pounds, lifting 10-20 pounds, lifting 20-30 pounds, carrying 1-5 pounds, carrying 5-10 pounds, carrying 10-20 pounds, carrying 20-30 pounds, working alone, working overtime or irregular schedule, domestic/foreign travel, operation of motor vehicles, work near electrical power supplies, work near sources of ionizing radiation, work near sources of non-ionizing radiation, work near machinery with moving parts, toxic chemicals, irritant chemicals, fumes, safety glasses or eye protection, face shield or facial protection, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes or protective foot gear, hood use.

Work Location

The work location for this position is fully 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 1 year.

Note to Applicants

While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grown into the full salary band over time.

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 maternity and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)
• 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.

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 or preference, 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 [e-mail] or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.