Radiation Protection Instrument Repair and Calibration Technician (Process & Sampling Tec 2/3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 54,900 - 93,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for a Process and Sampling Technician to join the Radiation Instrumentation and Calibration Team. The role involves calibrating and maintaining specialized radiation detection instrumentation while ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in physics and be experienced in troubleshooting electronics. Additional qualifications include a high school diploma or technical management experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and/or electronics principles.
• Commitment to safety, security, quality, and excellent customer service.
• Ability to follow technical procedures.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, operate, maintain, and repair radiation detection instrumentation.
• Assist in troubleshooting instrument functions.
• Conduct precision measurements and inspections.

Skills

Basic knowledge of physics

Experience in maintenance and repair of instrumentation

Troubleshooting skills

Computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Oral and written communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree

Tools

Testing and inspection equipment

Voltmeter

Oscilloscope

Job description

What You Will Do

You will work as part of the Radiation Instrumentation and Calibration Team in the Radiation Protection Services Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The team supports the Radiation Protection Program by maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, and developing radiation protection instrumentation. Duties include supporting the test, evaluation, maintenance, and calibration processes for fixed and portable alpha, beta, neutron, photon, and tritium radiation protection instruments, maintaining accurate computerized and written calibration records and documentation, and interacting with team staff members, health physicists, and radiological control technicians.

Process and Sampling Tec-2 Level, Salary Range: $54,900 – $84,300

• Set up, calibrate, operate, maintain, and repair a wide variety of precise and complex radiation detection instrumentation.
• Assist in troubleshooting issues or concerns in instrument functions or performance.
• Assist in precision measurements, tests, and inspections on instruments to determine conformity to regulatory and procedural specifications.
• Assist with validations, measurements, and experimental results.
• Assist with the preparation of procedures.
• Implement assigned corrective actions.
• Identify trends in instrument performance that may require recalibration or servicing of the instrument/equipment.
• Provide solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Assume broad work assignments based on verbal instruction, self‑initiating daily work.
• Use and interpret moderately complex assembly drawings to determine orientation and arrangement of parts, components, cabling, and circuitry.

Process and Sampling Tec-3 Level, Salary Range: $60,500 – $93,600

• Conduct and/or manage precision measurements, tests, and inspections on instruments to determine conformity to regulatory and procedural specifications.
• Validate and authenticate measurements.
• Assist with the development of calibration and/or measurement techniques for new or unique instruments.
• Identify trends in instrument performance requiring recalibration or servicing of the instrument/equipment.
• Perform non‑routine tasks requiring independent judgment.
• Provide solutions to a variety of technical problems of sophisticated scope and complexity.
• Provide on‑the‑job training to junior technicians.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and/or electronics principles.
• Experience in the maintenance and repair of instrumentation.
• Experience operating testing and/or inspection equipment.
• Experience with analog and digital electronic troubleshooting and repair at the board and component level.
• Skill in preparing and presenting test‑measurement results.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging issues.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow technical procedures.
• General knowledge of common and unique work hazards and occupational safety practices.
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Excellent record of dependability, availability, attendance, and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to safety, security, quality, and excellent customer service.
• Applicant must be able to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for Process and Sampling Tec‑3 Level

• Understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts related to instrumentation and testing equipment.
• Knowledge and experience with electrical repair.
• Familiarity with monitoring the performance of qualified instruments for trends that may require recalibration or servicing.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate as part of a team.

Education/Experience

Process and Sampling Tec‑2 Level: High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 3 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Process and Sampling Tec‑3 Level: Associate’s Degree and 3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in testing, evaluation, repair, and calibration of alpha and beta radiation protection instrumentation.
• Familiarity with principles and practices of radiation detection and measurement.
• Experience in circuit‑board level diagnosis and repair using standard equipment such as voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and soldering irons.
• Utilization of computers, high‑voltage/low‑current power supplies, pulse generators, and radioactive sources to test and/or calibrate electronic equipment.

Essential Job Functions

Fine motor actions with hands in tight spaces, work on hands and knees, stooping, crouching, sitting, standing, walking, reaching down, and applying torque with hands or arms.

Work Environment

Work near non‑ionizing and ionizing radiation sources, electrical power supplies; wear headgear, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and protective footgear.

Work Location

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All locations are at management discretion.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees must serve a continuous period in their current position to be eligible to apply for posted jobs. The commitment for this position is 1 year.

Work Schedule

This position may require shift work. Shift assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

Note to Applicants

Citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Islamic Republic of Iran, North Korea, and Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratory functions.

Where You Will Work

Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Benefits include:

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annually
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Relocation packages (outside a 50‑mile radius)

Additional Details

Employment requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating suitability under supplemental directive 206.2. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance

The position requires a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship except in very limited circumstances. A background investigation will be conducted, and access to classified material may require additional authorization.

New‑Employment Drug Test

Successful applicants must complete a new‑employment drug test. Positive marijuana test results will result in termination, even if use predates the offer.

Regular Position

Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular‑status positions are converted to regular status.

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, marital status, disability, pregnancy, protected veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within federal limits. The Laboratory is committed to making the workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations.