Space Hardware Engineering Technologist 2/3

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 96,600 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an Engineering Technologist for the Integration and Test team in Los Alamos, NM. The role includes assembling and testing complex electromechanical systems, collaborating with diverse teams, and participating in research and development activities.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, with experience handling delicate instruments and strong problem-solving skills. A commitment to safety and security is paramount in this position.

Qualifications

• Ability to solve complex electromechanical problems.
• Experience with CAD and scientific software.
• Strong safety and security commitment.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and test electromechanical systems.
• Collaborate with engineering, and scientists.
• Manage classified laboratory space.

Skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Mechanical design

Electrical troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

Lab measurement equipment

Electromechanical systems testing equipment

Job description

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Engineering Technologist 3 or 4 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.

The ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks an Engineering Technologist to join our Integration and Test (I&T) team. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and creative problem‑solver, able to build a wide range of complex electromechanical instruments and systems. ISR-5 provides engineering and technical expertise to develop and deploy high‑quality space‑ and ground‑based measurement systems for national security and basic space science applications.

This position will support the Electromagnetic Pulse Sensor (EMP) project team in the Space‑based Nuclear Detonation Detection (SNDD) program by developing, designing, and fabricating parts, fixtures, and assemblies used in hardware critical to national security. The EMP project is a fast‑moving, team‑oriented environment that balances production of current‑generation treaty verification hardware with research and development of future designs.

• Assemble and test ultra‑sensitive, complex electromechanical systems
• Perform a wide variety of hands‑on work in ISR laboratories, including space instrument development and testing, maintaining equipment, developing mechanical designs, reading electronic schematics, performing requirements verifications, and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, and project leaders to brainstorm and implement innovative solutions to complex and challenging technical and operational problems
• Manage classified laboratory space where space instruments are built, assembled, and tested
• Actively participate in R&D activities, including the development of next‑generation sensors and electronics
• Participate in the design process for electromechanical subsystems or assemblies within the EMP instrument
• Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, computer‑aided design (CAD) and/or CAD/CAM software
• Author, execute, and troubleshoot detailed test procedures for subassemblies and integrated instrument‑level testing

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

Handle, build, test, and integrate sensitive electronic and mechanical assemblies. Candidates should be familiar with analog, digital, and RF circuitry, and be comfortable working with standard laboratory equipment, measurement machines, and tooling and fixtures. This position may design or contribute to the design of circuits and mechanical assemblies, develop test procedures, acquire test data, document test results, or troubleshoot custom assemblies and systems.

The candidate should be able to work independently as well as part of a team, and actively seek to improve work processes to meet customer needs.

Engineering Technologist 3 ($106,400-$176,000)

This position will be expected to perform all the tasks above, but in a leadership capacity. This includes independently developing work plans, leading and reviewing other employees’ work, and mentoring junior staff. The position may organize laboratory activities, lead instrument integration, perform verification testing, and manage delivery and integration to external customers. At this level, the role will have regular contact with the broader project team, including other technicians, scientists, and engineers, as well as external partners. Candidates should display advanced knowledge of a wide range of electrical and mechanical tools, materials, and systems.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Problem Solving

Demonstrated ability to identify and solve problems in complex electromechanical systems. Ability to absorb large volumes of information from a variety of sources and synthesize it into key elements and requirements. Strong attention to detail. Ability to understand and navigate internal and Laboratory policies and processes.

Communication & Teaming

Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with teams of diverse technical backgrounds. This position will integrate with diverse teams to develop and apply innovative solutions to complex technical problems. Demonstrated written and verbal communication, active listening, interpersonal, and organizational skills are critical.

Technical

Demonstrated experience handling delicate parts and instruments while performing mechanical and electrical inspection and assembly. Experience using laboratory equipment, measurement machines, and hand tools. Ability to conduct research, develop alternative approaches, and recommend solutions for complex electromechanical problems. Ability to read, understand, review, and edit engineering procedures, drawings, layouts, and other related instructions.

Safety

Safety and security are the highest priority for executing work at Los Alamos. Candidate must have a demonstrated record of commitment to safety, security, environment, and quality.

Additional Job Requirements for Engineering Technologist 3

Technical

Advanced skill in mechanical and electrical development, troubleshooting, testing, and verification. Demonstrated experience with a wide range of fabrication, assembly, and inspection machinery and equipment, including specialty hardware. Experience designing, testing, and integrating spaceflight hardware or assemblies of similar complexity and delicacy.

Leadership

Demonstrated experience mentoring staff. Verbal and written skills sufficient to capture knowledge and transfer it to others. Experience organizing or managing others’ work in a laboratory or similar environment. Has both the technical credibility to lead small teams and the interpersonal skills to resolve conflict and manage those teams effectively. Ability to represent the project across ISR, other groups within LANL, and with external vendors and customers.

Timeliness

Experience delivering products on schedule while being involved in multiple projects with competing priorities. Ability to learn and mentor and be mentored to complete job functions as part of a team and execute tasks independently.

Education/Experience at lower level

Position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, science, math, or related degree from an accredited institution and 5 years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level

Position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, science, math, or related degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with spaceflight hardware
• Understanding of RF signals and signal processing
• Experience participating in setup and execution of research and development test campaigns
• Demonstrated experience working with and handling classified information

Work Environment

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 1 year.

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 material. This position requires a Q clearance and obtaining such clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required.

• 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.

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. 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.