Materials Characterization Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos (NM)

On-site

USD 88,000 - 158,000

Full time

10 hours ago

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Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a motivated Research Technologist 1 or 2 to join the Sigma Division's Characterization and Special Projects Team. The role focuses on metallography and materials characterization, supporting nuclear and global security programs.

The successful candidate will perform sample preparation, microscopy, hardness testing, and data analysis within established procedures, maintaining safety and documentation standards. US citizenship/Q clearance may be required.

Qualifications

Background in metallography with emphasis on sample preparation.
Ability to use a range of sample preparation techniques and equipment.
Experience with computer systems, PC software, MS Office including data manipulation.
Ability to interact effectively with colleagues and external collaborators; strong verbal communication.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and laboratory requirements.
Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship.

Responsibilities

Support operations in the Sigma-2 characterization lab.
Prepare samples for SEM (EDS/EBSD/WDS) analysis.
Characterize samples using optical microscopy, hardness testing, profilometry and SEM.
Analyze data and provide preliminary interpretation with charts or drawings for reports.
Maintain compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Metallography

Sample prep

Microscopy

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree + 2 years related experience

Bachelor's degree + 5 years related experience

Tools

Optical microscopy

Electron microscopy

EDS/WDS

FIB/SEM

PC software

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply. We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technologist 1 or 2 to join the Characterization and Special Projects Team of Sigma Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Sigma Division focuses on materials science and engineering, emphasizing metallurgical processes and research in support of the experimental testing program at Los Alamos. The Division is a service-oriented capability that supports a broad customer base, both internal and external to LANL, with high quality one of a kind prototype components. The work ranges from unclassified to TS/SCI level security and covers all materials from hydrogen to uranium on the periodic table of the elements. Performance of job responsibilities will involve exposure to hazards that include radiation generating devices, radioactive materials, acids/bases, organic solvents and other hazardous materials. This position requires excellent work ethic and team building/mentoring skills, high level of initiative, and commitment to safety, quality, and documentation.

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level

Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Research Technologist 1 ($87,800-$143,000)

The successful candidate will provide research support in the field of materials science. The research technologist will work within established procedures, processes, requirements or specifications to perform metallography and characterization work on a variety of tasks and projects. Responsibilities for the selected candidate at Research Technologist 1 will include:

Support operations and general laboratory processes in the Sigma-2 characterization lab.
Cut, grind, mount, polish, and etch samples for microscopic or macroscopic examination using optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and hardness testing.
Prepare samples for SEM (EDS/EBSD/WDS) analysis.
Characterize samples using optical microscopy, hardness testing, profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).
Work independently with initiative.
Interact with facility personnel for new equipment purchasing, installation and/or maintenance.
Analyze data, provide preliminary interpretation of results with charts, graphs and/or drawings for inclusion in reports for reference or instruction purposes.
Contribute to meeting program deliverables in nuclear and global security programs.
Maintain compliance with conduct of operations, safety, security, and environmental regulations. Assist with the development of safety documents for activities performed in the metallography lab, safety, and user training. Manage chemical waste profiles for disposal according to waste disposal regulations.
Assist with maintenance of various types of laboratory equipment.

Research Technologist 2 ($96,600-$158,000)

In addition to the responsibilities and activities listed above, the Research Technologist 2 will be expected to:

Resolve problems of moderately complex scope requiring review of a variety of factors.
Mentor and train lower-level technologists and technicians.
Develop/refine preparation and optical imaging techniques on difficult to prepare materials.
Characterize samples using more advanced techniques like wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) and Focused Ion beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB/SEM) and SEM.
Help lead/delegate sample preparation and data acquisition activities on the lab floor.
Contribute to the development of characterization techniques.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

A background in metallography, with an emphasis on sample preparation of a variety of material types.
Ability to understand a wide range of sample preparation techniques and equipment.
Ability to work with computer systems and applications including PC software, and Microsoft Office Suite including data manipulation, and use of databases.
Ability to interact effectively with colleagues and external collaborators. Demonstrate superior verbal communication and teamwork.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans and Laboratory requirements.
Ability to follow safeguards and security procedures in accordance with the Laboratory policy.
Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for a Research Technologist 2

Demonstrated experience in sample preparation techniques and equipment.
Demonstrated experience in working with optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and hardness testing.
Demonstrated experience with computer systems and applications including PC software, and Microsoft Office Suite including data manipulation, and use of databases
Demonstrated experience in developing reports and reporting on data.

Education/Experience for level 1

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for level 2

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications