Space Instrument Research Technologist 1/2

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 87,800 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Relocation packages

Job summary

A leading national security laboratory in Los Alamos, NM is seeking a Space Instrument Research Technologist. The ideal candidate will support the prototyping and deployment of satellite instruments essential for both scientific and national security missions. Responsibilities include executing calibration operations and maintaining laboratory readiness. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and experience with calibration techniques and data analysis. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of calibration and measurement techniques in a production setting.
• Experience with handling radioactive sources and working with electronic test equipment.
• Strong documentation and technical communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Execute calibration operations on flight hardware.
• Operate x-ray calibration systems using standard laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate with engineers and scientists to maintain production momentum.

Skills

Calibration techniques

Data analysis

Analog electronics

Team collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

Tools

C#

X-ray calibration systems

Job description

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 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 Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) division is seeking a Space Instrument Research Technologist to join our collaborative and dynamic team! As a leader in space research for over sixty years, ISR Division designs, builds, delivers, and exploits innovative ground‑ and space‑based measurement systems. Our projects range from cutting‑edge scientific explorations expanding our knowledge of the universe, to ensuring national and global security. ISR is a multidisciplinary organization working across government and commercial sectors to lead experiments for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and other notable agencies. Efforts include direct involvement in imperative missions such as the Curiosity & Perseverance Mars rovers, Van Allen Probes, IBEX, as well as the upcoming IMAP, NACHOS, and BeamPIE projects.

The Space Instrument Realization Group (ISR-5) provides technical expertise to develop, build and deploy these advanced measurement systems into space. ISR-5 is comprised of mechanical and electrical engineers, technicians, and technologists. All members engage within interdisciplinary, high‑performance project teams that span from conceptual development to system deployment and mission execution. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, self‑motivated, and proficient multi‑tasker with a strong desire and capacity to learn and work across disciplines. This role will directly support the prototyping, testing, manufacturing, and deployment of innovative space satellite instruments to support a variety of scientific and national security missions.

This role will support the X‑ray and Particle Sensing (XAPS) project. XAPS instruments measure x‑rays and energetic charged particles as part of the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) program. The XAPS project provides capabilities to produce actionable information for a broad range of national security stakeholders, and its execution spans all groups of ISR Division as well as other divisions and external partners. The XAPS team is presently conducting a multi‑year production run of multiple flight instruments. We are seeking a technologist who will provide day‑to‑day calibration support for these instruments and maintain our calibration facility.

On a typical day, you will do one or more of the following:

• Execute calibration operations on flight hardware in accordance with defined production schedules and milestones.
• Operate commercial and custom‑built x‑ray calibration systems using standard laboratory equipment.
• Produce timely, detailed calibration and test reports aligned with production flow.
• Coordinate with engineers, scientists, technicians, and project leadership to maintain production momentum.
• Identify and resolve technical or facility issues quickly to minimize schedule impact.
• Maintain calibration facilities, equipment readiness, and configuration control.
• Perform all work safely and securely in accordance with LANL policies and procedures.
• Develop a strong technical understanding of assigned flight instruments to enable efficient troubleshooting.
• Lead laboratory refurbishment, maintenance, and readiness activities to support uninterrupted production.
• Maintain and modify C# software used for laboratory automation to improve efficiency and repeatability.
• Apply analog electronics skills to diagnose and resolve instrument issues.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to author final reports and present results.
• Participate in R&D activities without compromising ongoing production commitments.

Research Technologist 1 ($87,800 - $143,000)

Apply best practices in engineering, math, and science to solve challenging technical problems in broad areas of research and development. This role is responsible for assigned activities in support of facilities, design, operation, maintenance, project‑and/or research‑based engineering, and performing work within a strong safety and security program. 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.

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

Perform the tasks above in a leadership capacity and help to mentor, lead and review the activities of other employees. Communicate results through internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer‑reviewed journals. Contribute to the development/implementation of new principles and concepts in support of larger customer and project needs.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of calibration and measurement techniques in a production setting; analog electronics; and computer hardware and integration.
• Technical Experience: Experience with the handling, safe use, transport, and storage of radioactive sources; data analysis such as data fitting or statistical analysis; and working with standard electronic test equipment.
• Technical Skills: Ability to set up, run, troubleshoot, and analyze standalone experiments and acquire data using data acquisition systems. Demonstrated strengths in data analysis, including interpreting experimental results, performing data fitting, troubleshooting with data, and applying statistical methods to improve system performance. Strong documentation and technical communication skills.
• Teaming and Work Approach: Ability to work successfully in a diverse, collaborative environment with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate must be willing to mentor others, share their knowledge and ideas, and contribute as a leader in areas of their subject matter expertise.
• Safety and Security: Safety and security are the highest priorities for executing work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Candidates must have a demonstrated record of commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and quality. The ability to obtain a Q clearance is required.
• Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2: Apply fundamental understanding and strong technical skills to lead the execution of complex assignments; mentor technicians, technologists, and junior staff; represent the XAPS program with internal and external stakeholders at technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and program milestones.

Education/Experience at Lower Level

Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field from an accredited institution and a minimum of 2 years 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 a related field from an accredited institution and a minimum of 5 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of radiation detection and measurement techniques and experience characterizing radiation detectors such as solid‑state detectors.
• Ability to travel, often on short notice, to support mission needs.
• Experience with space hardware.
• Experience with troubleshooting vacuum systems.
• Experience with flash‑based X‑ray sources.
• Experience as a laser operator.
• Experience with CAD tools for mechanical design.
• Experience with C# or eagerness to learn.
• Ability to provide direction and guidance to team members.

Essential Job Functions

• Lifting/Carrying 30+ pounds.

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

The position commitment for this position is 1 year. Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory.

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)

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.