Machinist Apprentice Program Instructor (Engineering Technologist 1)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Learning opportunities

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks an Instructor for the Machinist Apprentice Program. This role involves mentoring first-year apprentices, providing essential training in machining, and ensuring they acquire the skills necessary for a successful career. The position also includes responsibilities for supporting community outreach initiatives and maintaining rigorous training records.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree and at least two years of related experience, along with proficiency in relevant software applications.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in journeyman machinist skill topics and safety.
• Ability to teach dimensional inspection using CMMs and GD&T.
• Communicate and mentor effectively with apprentices.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-the-job training and mentoring for first-year apprentices.
• Use tools to compile and maintain training records.
• Support recruitment at community colleges and high schools.

Skills

Machining & Dimensional Inspection

Mentorship & Communication

Community Outreach

Research & Tools

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree

Tools

JobBoss software

CAD/CAM software

Job description

What You Will Do

Prototype Fabrication is seeking a motivated individual to serve as an Instructor for the Machinist Apprentice Program (MAP). The MAP is a Los Alamos National Laboratory competency‑based program that trains apprentices and ensures they have the valuable skills they need for employment as a Journeyman Machinist. The instructor will provide focused on‑the‑job training and mentoring for first‑year apprentices at a dedicated LANL shop facility.

What You Need

Machining & Dimensional Inspection: Proficiency in a wide variety of journeyman machinist skill topics: machine shop safety, manual machining, CNC machining, CAD/CAM for fabrication of hardware and machine shop operations. Ability to teach and perform dimensional inspection techniques on parts using open‑set up and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), including understanding and ability to teach Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

Research & Tools: Use appropriate tools and systems to compile and maintain training records for all apprentices in the program, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). Ability to use resources to research best practices and assist with updating MAP curriculum while staying within state guidelines.

Mentorship & Communication: Communicate and mentor effectively, adopting a flexible teaching style, giving feedback to apprentices productively, using appropriate conflict management techniques, and promoting a mutually respectful work environment.

Community Outreach: Support recruitment at community colleges and high schools, including presentations for a variety of audiences; this will require some travel.

Education/Experience: Position 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Working knowledge of JobBoss software application
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM software application
• Formal experience working as a Machinist Instructor in a state‑accredited competency‑based machinist apprentice program

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite 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 to be eligible to apply for posted jobs. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including LANL.

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.

Benefits package includes:

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with a 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)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance

Q Clearance: This position requires a Q clearance. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by the Federal Government and must meet eligibility requirements. The clearance requires US citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. The authorization to access classified information may be required and is a decision of the Federal Government.

• 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.

New-Employment Drug Test

Applicants must complete a new-employment drug test. The Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized marijuana, use and possession remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment.

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 federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is committed to making its workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request such an accommodation, please contact [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.