Machinist Apprentice

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking aspiring machinists for a comprehensive 2-year Machinist Apprentice Program. This unique opportunity allows apprentices to gain hands-on experience in various machine shops while working on critical projects for national security. Participants will develop their skills under the guidance of experienced machinists, leading to potential full-time employment. The program emphasizes safety, teamwork, and integrity, ensuring apprentices not only learn the technical aspects of machining but also grow as dependable professionals. Join this innovative program and take the first step towards a rewarding career in machining.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Free basic life insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Partial relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old by October 2025.
• Knowledge of mathematics and effective communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Work under instructors in classroom and machine shop settings.
• Complete competencies based on NIMS Certified Machinist Training.

Skills

Mathematics (trigonometry, algebra, geometry)

Effective verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Interest/aptitude for machining and mechanics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certificate in machine tool technology

Associate degree in machine tool technology

Tools

Machinist toolbox

Personal protective equipment

Job description

What You Will Do

Calling all aspiring machinists!

The 2025 Machinist Apprentice Program (MAP) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is open for applications.

Over the course of 2 years, Apprentices will:

• Work under the direction of instructors and machinists in both classroom settings and in multiple LANL machine shops.
• Complete competencies based on the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certified Machinist Training and MAP Curriculum, as well as curriculum specific to the Lab.
• Gain valuable on-the-job experience in machine shops while machining for a variety of customers. Students will get to work on a wide range of projects, critical to national security.
• Work towards obtaining a Journeyperson's Certificate through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). Upon completion of the program, successful candidates often transition into full-time employment at LANL.

This 2-year apprenticeship program is managed by the Prototype Fabrication (PF) Division. PF Division's capabilities include precision machining in a wide variety of materials and sizes, dimensional inspection, preventative and corrective maintenance, metal fabrication and welding, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM).

We support apprentices to grow not only as talented machinists, but also as well-rounded LANL employees with a strong foundation of dependability, trustworthiness, integrity, & respect.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age by the projected program start date in October 2025.
• Have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• An interest/aptitude for machining and mechanics.
• Knowledge of mathematics (trigonometry, algebra, geometry).
• Effective verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to be part of a collaborative team and to communicate effectively with peers, colleagues, customers to maintain a safe and respectful workplace.
• Certificate of completion OR an associate degree in a machine tool technology program from an accredited technical college; OR three (3) years relevant experience.
• Candidates are welcome to apply if they are currently enrolled in such a program, but it must be completed prior to the October 2025 start date.

Conditions of Employment:

Upon completion of the 2-year Machinist Apprentice Program (MAP), you may receive an offer of regular full-time employment as a machinist at the Laboratory. Should you decline the offer of employment, you will be required to refund the Laboratory the cost of your books, external training, software licenses related to the MAP curricula, and your NIMS membership. Additionally, any offer of regular full-time employment as a machinist at the Laboratory will be conditioned on a two-year commitment of employment in that position. If you fail to honor the two years of continuous employment as a machinist at LANL, you will be required to refund the Laboratory the cost of your books, external training, software licenses related to the MAP curricula, and your NIMS membership. In the event an offer is not extended at program completion, reimbursement will not be required.

Note to Applicants:

• Salary starts at approximately $25.00 per hour and increases as candidates progress through the program, culminating in a salary of approximately $35.00 per hour at completion.
• State Certified Journeyperson Certificate upon completion.
• Full machinist toolbox provided.
• Personal protective equipment is provided, such as safety boots and prescription safety glasses.
• Position requires selected candidates to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance. To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and U.S. citizenship is required, except in limited circumstances. (Note: The employer will support selected candidates through the Clearance application process).

Where You Will Work

Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. 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
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Partial relocation assistance available

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.