Research Technician 3

MFG Recruiting, LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 66,100 - 103,600; Full time

Job summary

MFG Recruiting, LLC is seeking a Research Technician 3 for Los Alamos National Laboratory. In this role, you will perform critical operations in plutonium processing, ensuring safety and reliability in highly controlled environments. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and be responsible for maintaining thorough documentation and compliance with safety regulations.

We're looking for candidates with an associate degree and at least 3 years of related experience, particularly in mechanical systems and hazardous material handling. This is a full-time, onsite role located in Los Alamos, NM.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 3+ years of related experience in technical work.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform manufacturing operations in metal processing and recovery.
• Support plutonium processing through hands-on glove box operations.
• Collaborate with facility representatives to ensure safety.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Hazardous material handling

Technical documentation interpretation

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree and 3+ years of related experience

Tools

Lathes

Mills

Drill presses

Saws

Job description

Research Technician 3

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. As the nation's premier plutonium center of excellence, LANL ensures the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile while advancing research in areas such as space exploration, renewable energy, supercomputing, and medicine. The Aqueous Recovery and Purification Operations Group (PSD-5) plays an essential role in plutonium metal production, nuclear material recovery and recycle, and aqueous purification operations that sustain the Laboratory’s plutonium enterprise. We are seeking a Research Technician to join the PSD-5 team, helping enable the future of plutonium operations. This is a regular, onsite position in Los Alamos, NM, with a salary range of $66,100 - $103,600.

Responsibilities

• Perform manufacturing operations in one or more of the following areas: metal processing (furnace operations), metal recovery (aqueous operations), vacuum equipment operation, mechanical assembly, leak testing, equipment troubleshooting and equipment maintenance
• Support plutonium processing through hands‑on glove box operations, material movement, and product manufacturing while maintaining compliance with Conduct of Operations, nuclear criticality safety, material accountability, radiological safety, and environmental requirements
• Collaborate with other facility representatives as required to support the safety/reliability of equipment/systems
• Participate in the development and implementation of new processes and procedures to ensure all work, materials, processes, and final product meet quality specifications and are completed according to established requirements
• Write and maintain records by following detailed operating procedures and integrated work documents, writing concise progress reports, and interacting with support organizations
• Build strong partnerships and interactive communications to ensure processing equipment and experiments are operated safely

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 3+ years of related experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Experience performing technical work involving mechanical systems, testing, troubleshooting, hazardous material handling, or related laboratory/manufacturing operations
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, procedures, and engineering documentation while performing complex tasks independently
• Strong commitment to safety, security, regulatory compliance, and formal operations in highly controlled work environments
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively, mentor others, and maintain required certifications and qualifications
• Currently active, or ability to obtain and maintain, DOE Q clearance (U.S. citizenship required)

Desired Qualifications

• Formal training or experience machining a variety of materials with lathes, mills, drill presses, saws, and other industrial apparatus
• Experience working with radioactive and other hazardous materials
• Expert understanding of in‑process inspection techniques and technologies
• Knowledge of computers, computer programming, and/or software applications used in R&D job function
• Active HRP certification

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.