Research Tec 2/3

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and Vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Tuition assistance

PTO and holidays

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is hiring for Research Technician roles in the Plutonium Supply and Disposition Division, at the Plutonium Center of Excellence in Northern New Mexico. The position involves hands-on glovebox work, plutonium processing support, and material movement within a nuclear facility.

Applicants must meet Conduct of Operations, nuclear safety, HRP requirements, and be eligible for a DOE Q clearance. Level 2 or 3 responsibilities apply based on qualifications and performance.

Qualifications

• Experience with mechanical systems and basic tooling.
• Ability to follow detailed operating procedures and safety rules.
• Willingness to perform hands-on glovebox work with PPE.

Responsibilities

• Perform glovebox operations in plutonium processing settings.
• Write and maintain records, follow procedures, and generate progress reports.
• Interact with support organizations and perform material tracking transactions.

Skills

Mechanical systems & tools

Collaboration

Timeliness

Computer proficiency

Safety & security

Integrity

Follow instructions

Education

High school diploma + 3 years experience

Associate's degree + 3 years experience

Tools

Power tools

Vacuum equipment

X-ray machines

Pressure systems

Welding equipment

Job description

What You Will Do

Come join one of the many teams within Plutonium Supply and Disposition (PSD) Division, where you will be working at the Plutonium Center of Excellence located in Northern New Mexico at Los Alamos National Laboratory! PSD is a division with the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP)/Nuclear Production Operations (NPO) directorship. We are confident that you will find the PSD Division a dynamic and rewarding place to work. The PSD Division provides plutonium pit related products and services of superior quality and value to protect our nation.

You will work in a team environment within LANL's nuclear facility to manufacture product, support material movement and support glove box operations. The majority of daily work is "hands-on" glove box work in support of plutonium processing. Processes at Los Alamos National Lab are performed using detailed operating procedures and work requires extensive knowledge and expertise following Conduct of Operations, nuclear criticality safety, material control and accountability, radiological safety, and environmental compliance requirements. Work will be related to national security objectives, requiring the individual to hold a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP).

This position will be filled at either the Research Tec 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Research Tec 2

You will be trained to perform several tasks that could include manufacturing operations in the areas of plutonium processing, metal processing, casting, vacuum equipment operations, welding, mechanical assembly, leak testing, equipment troubleshooting and equipment maintenance. You will use a variety of bench‑top equipment and ensure all work, materials, processes, and final product meet quality specifications and are completed according to established requirements. Working with radioactive and hazardous materials will also be an integral part of your job. You will be responsible for writing and maintaining records, following detailed operating procedures and integrated work documents, writing concise progress reports, and interacting with support organizations and performing transactions on the nuclear material tracking computer system. Further, the successful candidate will know general knowledge of mechanical systems and have experience working to technical specifications or procedures as well as clean‑room experience and pressure vessel operation (and maintenance).

Research Tec 3

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level you will collaborate with other facility representatives as required to support the safety/reliability of equipment/systems. You will be required to safely handle radioactive materials/items inside the plutonium facility and perform the necessary nuclear material accountability transactions. Further, the ideal candidate will have a general knowledge of Conduct of Operations, Inventory Management, and Quality Assurance. Also, general knowledge of robotic functionality and operations and experience with mechanical tools such as an electro‑hydraulic press is preferred. You will be responsible for writing and maintaining records, following detailed operating procedures and integrated work documents, writing progress reports, interacting with support organizations, and performing transactions on the nuclear material tracking computer system.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Job Requirements for Research Tec 2

Mechanical Systems & Tools: Experience in one or more of the following: mechanical systems, hand tools, power tools, instrumentation, measurement tools, welding technology, welding experience, x‑ray machines, vacuum systems, industrial chemicals, and PPE. Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following: radiography, using linear accelerators, vacuum equipment systems operation, pressure system operation, mechanical assembly, leak testing, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance.

Collaboration: Ability to work effectively, conscientiously and professionally in a high‑performance team environment that exhibits collaborative behavior.

Physical Requirement: Willingness to perform hands‑on work like working in a glovebox as well as wearing a respirator. Wear and maintain proper PPE, understand, and follow procedures.

Demonstrate Timeliness: The ability to keep up on trainings, pass tests, and maintain certifications.

Computer Proficiency: Demonstrated knowledge working with computer systems and applications such as, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Safety and Security: Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. The successful candidate will maintain their required safety and security training, ensure compliance with safety and security requirements, and make safety and security an integral part of every task.

Integrity: Your word should reflect your actions. Promotes a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Follow Instructions: Understands and adheres to all Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance specific to experimental activities. Conducts technical work in the laboratory space or work area, as instructed by supervisor. Assignments may include exposure to a broad scope in multiple areas but limited technical depth.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Tec 3:

Mechanical Expertise: Thorough knowledge and experience in one or more of the following: vacuum equipment systems operation, pressure system operation, welding, mechanical assembly, leak testing, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance. Demonstrated experience utilizing power tools and equipment.

Technical Competency: Working knowledge in technical areas, such as chemical synthesis; chemical, radiological materials handling; analytical procedures and methodology; materials characterization or testing; optical and laser systems; data acquisition systems; pressure systems; fiber optics; electronic imaging; solid‑state electronic design and assembly; mechanical systems. Should also possess experience in reading drawings and schematics; using digital test equipment; data analysis; electromagnetic shielding; non‑destructive assay techniques; high‑speed data acquisition systems and software; ultrafast timing techniques.

Schematics: Test and design, such as reading drawings and schematics, using digital test equipment, data analysis, etc.

Collaboration: Ability to work effectively, conscientiously, and professionally in a high‑performance team environment that exhibits collaborative behavior.

Analytical Ability: Proficient in investigating solutions to problems affecting project requirements and recommending alternative approaches.

Education/Experience at the lower level: Position requires a high school diploma and a minimum of 3 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at the higher level: Position requires an associate's degree and 3 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

DOE Order 426.2A: Requires a high school diploma.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and/ or experience working with Nuclear Material
• Experience working with classified material and parts
• Active DOE "Q" clearance (or similar)

Work Location:

The work location for this position is 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 2 years.

Work Schedule:

This position may require 24/7 coverage, which may require working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager.

Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

#Shiftwork

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 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 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

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.

HRP:

This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2A:

This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry‑level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

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.

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 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 (505)-664-6947.