Space Hardware Production Technician (Development and Fabrication Tec 3/4)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos (NM)

On-site

USD 66,100 - 115,400

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high-deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Learning opportunities

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Development and Fabrication Technician to support the Electromagnetic Pulse Sensor project within the SNDD program. This role involves designing, fabricating, and testing components critical to national security.

The ideal candidate must have experience with CNC machines, leadership skills for level 4, and a commitment to safety. An associate's degree with relevant experience is required, along with technical prowess in electromechanical systems.

Qualifications

Associate’s degree and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience for Technician 3.
Associate’s degree and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience for Technician 4.

Responsibilities

Assemble and test complex electromechanical systems.
Fabricate mechanical components using CNC machines and other shop equipment.
Collaborate on technical research and data gathering.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication & Teaming

Technical

Safety

Technical (Level 4)

Leadership (Level 4)

Timeliness (Level 4)

Education

Associate’s degree

Tools

CNC machines

laser etchers

3D printers

Job description

What You Will Do

The ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks a Development and Fabrication Technician to join our Integration and Test (I&T) team. The role will support the Electromagnetic Pulse Sensor (EMP) project team in the Space‑based Nuclear Detonation Detection (SNDD) program by designing, fabricating and testing parts, fixtures, and assemblies used in hardware critical to national security. You will collaborate with technicians, engineers, scientists, project managers, government and commercial partners and act as the first point of contact for hardware fabrication. In this fast‑moving, team‑oriented environment you will perform the following tasks:

Assemble and test complex electromechanical systems and perform formal requirements verifications.
Fabricate mechanical components and fixtures with CNC machines, mills, lathes, laser etchers, 3D printers and other shop equipment.
Collaborate on technical research and data gathering for engineering analysis.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, and apply GD&T.
Participate in the design process for electromechanical subsystems or assemblies within the EMP instrument.
Apply analytical and/or scientific software, CAD and CAD/CAM tools.
Author, execute, and troubleshoot detailed test procedures for subassemblies and integrated instrument‑level testing.
Diagnose anomalies, failures or malfunctions, replace defective components, and perform basic troubleshooting.

Development and Fabrication Technician 3

$66,100–$103,600 Apply technical knowledge to propose solutions to complex design challenges. This level includes interpreting design drawings, acting as a liaison between the project and partner groups, and working independently or as part of a team. Responsibilities also cover designing simple circuits and mechanical assemblies, developing test procedures, acquiring test data, documenting results, and troubleshooting custom assemblies and systems.

Development and Fabrication Technician 4

$72,800–$115,400 In addition to all Technician‑3 responsibilities, this level is performed in a leadership capacity. You will independently develop work plans, lead and review other employees’ work, mentor junior staff, and may lead instrument integration, verify testing, and manage delivery to external customers. Your role will involve regular contact with the broader project team and external partners, requiring advanced knowledge of electrical and mechanical tools, materials, and systems.

Qualifications

Problem Solving – Demonstrated ability to identify problems, generate solutions, synthesize information, and pay strong attention to detail while navigating internal policies and processes.
Communication & Teaming – Ability to work independently or collaboratively with diverse technical teams, with strong written and verbal communication, active listening and organizational skills.
Technical – Experience handling delicate parts, conducting mechanical inspection and assembly, using machine shop and laboratory tools, and developing alternative approaches to complex electromechanical problems. Ability to read, understand, and edit engineering procedures, drawings, layouts, and related instructions.
Safety – Demonstrated commitment to safety, security, environment and quality during all work at Los Alamos.
Technical (Level 4) – Advanced skill in mechanical and electrical development, troubleshooting, testing, and verification, including a wide range of fabrication machinery and equipment. Experience designing, testing, and integrating spaceflight hardware or similar complex assemblies.
Leadership (Level 4) – Experience mentoring staff, transferring knowledge and resolving conflict, managing small teams, and representing projects across ISR, other LANL groups, and external vendors and customers.
Timeliness (Level 4) – Proven ability to deliver products on schedule while balancing multiple projects with competing priorities.

Education & Experience

Associate’s degree and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, for Technician 3;

Associate’s degree and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, for Technician 4.

Desired Qualifications

Experience working with spaceflight hardware.
Understanding of RF signals and signal processing.
Experience attending to research and development test campaigns.
Demonstrated experience handling classified information.

Work Environment

Work Location

The location is onsite 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 to be eligible to apply for posted jobs at LANL. The commitment for this position is 1 year.

Security Clearance

The position requires a Q clearance. Selected applicants will undergo a federal background investigation and must be U.S. citizens unless in very limited circumstances. Additional authorizations for classified information may also be required.

Drug Test

All successful applicants must complete a new‑employment drug test. A positive test for marijuana, even if used before the offer, will result in termination of employment.

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, or citizenship within the limits of federal, state, and local laws. The Laboratory is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities upon request.

Benefits