Research Technologist 3

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a skilled technician for a radiation detection position, focusing on criticality safety and nuclear applications. Successful candidates will operate and maintain detection equipment, mentor junior staff, and ensure experimental safety. Candidates should have substantial experience in radiation techniques and hold a bachelor’s degree with relevant years of experience.

The position requires the ability to operate under stringent safety protocols and includes a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Experience with radiation detection or radiography instruments.
• Hands-on technical work with tools, machining, or electronics.
• Experience coordinating technical operations and schedules.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain radiation detection equipment and instruments.
• Qualify as a Certified Fissile Material Handler and assume supervisory roles.
• Mentor and lead other staff in safe work practices.

Skills

Radiation detection instrumentation

Technical work with hand tools

Organizing technical work

Problem-solving with innovative approaches

Attention to detail in high-consequence environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

8 years of related experience

Job description

What You Will Do

The Advanced Technology Group (NEN-2) conducts research, development, training and operations in the application of passive and active nuclear measurement techniques, as well as radiography. The group focuses on nuclear criticality safety, nuclear weapons, emergency response programs, and nuclear energy. NEN‑2 staff provide training in criticality safety, nuclear materials handling, and instrumentation, and collaborate with NCERC-FO and MSTS to execute experiments at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center.

Responsibilities

• Operate, support, maintain, and troubleshoot/repair a variety of radiation detection equipment, both gamma‑ray and neutron based.
• Operate, support, maintain, and troubleshoot/repair low‑to‑high energy radiography instruments.
• Qualify as a Certified Fissile Material Handler (FMH) to perform hand‑on experimental operations with significant quantities of Special Nuclear Material (SNM).
• Qualify as FMH Person‑in‑Charge (PIC) to assume first‑line supervisory responsibility for hand‑on experimental operations with significant quantities of SNM.
• Support NEN‑2 scientists/engineers and trainees in conducting experiments or training at LANL and/or NCERC.
• Mentor and lead other technologists, technicians and personnel in safe work execution.
• Maintain, design, and build instrumentation and equipment for use in radiation detection or radiography.
• Learn and develop subject‑matter expertise in at least one core technique or technology related to radiation measurements, radiography, or nuclear criticality safety.
• Sustain and improve work authorization and execution for NEN‑2 operations.

What You Need

• Demonstrated experience with radiation detection instrumentation or radiography instruments, including installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, or analysis of experimental data.
• Demonstrated experience with hands‑on technical work (hand tools, machining, fabrication, electronics, computer networking).
• Demonstrated experience organizing technical work (coordination with other entities, purchasing, shipping, equipment, labs, schedules).
• Ability to formulate and implement innovative approaches and solutions to problems.
• Experience working successfully in a high‑consequence environment that demands excellent attention to detail, conduct of operations, and safe work practices.

Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with more than one major radiation detection or radiography technique.
• Experience teaching, especially to audiences with varied backgrounds.
• Fissile material handling experience.
• Strong computer skills (data acquisition, experiment control, programming, data management).
• Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic‑research and mission‑science programs.
• An active DOE Q clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Human Reliability Program certification.

Essential Job Functions

Description: Climbing stairs, walking, lifting 20‑30 pounds, ability to wear personal protective equipment, including a full‑face respirator or Powered Air‑Purifying Respirator (PAPR). Works in environments with controlled radiation exposure, ambient temperature variations, noise, electrical power supplies, machinery with moving parts, and potential for domestic travel to NCERC.

Work Environment

Work is conducted in areas controlled for radioactive contamination and/or radiation exposure, includes exposure to noise, electrical power supplies, machinery with moving parts, and requires safety glasses or eye protection, hearing protection, safety shoes or protective footgear.

Work Location

Onsite at the DOE‑Nevada National Security Site, North Las Vegas, NV.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a continuous period of one year in this position.

Clearance

Position will be cleared to Q level. Selected applicants must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter and can obtain a Q clearance only if they are U.S. citizens, except in extremely rare circumstances.

Benefits

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• 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 for moves outside a 50‑mile radius

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal‐opportunity employer. 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 or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, protected veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship status within the limits imposed by federal, state and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is committed to making the workplace accessible and will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals upon request.