Special Materials Machinist (Special Materials Machinist 2/3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 73,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation packages

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking skilled Special Materials Machinists to fabricate precision high explosive and inert components. Positions may be filled at Machinist 2 or Machinist 3 levels, with responsibilities adjusted to experience and level.

The role involves operating manual and CNC mills/lathes, reading blueprints, and ensuring strict safety and quality standards within the M-8 team. On-site work in Los Alamos, NM, with potential for schedule transitions.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program with 2 years related experience; or 4 years prototype experience; or Journeyperson qualification program with 2 years related experience.
• Foundational to advanced knowledge of manual and CNC machine setup and operation; ability to read blueprints and use inspection tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate manual and CNC mills and lathes and multi-axis CNC machines to safely manufacture HE components and inert mock parts.
• Follow rigorous procedures and collaborate with scientists, engineers and technicians to meet demanding experimental needs.
• At Special Materials Machinist 3, independently program, tool and fixture components and contribute to process development.

Skills

Machining knowledge

Blueprint reading

Inspection tools

CNC machining

Math fundamentals

Safety culture

Education

Associate's Degree in Machining Technologies

Journeyperson program

Tools

Mastercam

Fanuc controllers

HAAS controllers

Hurco controllers

G&M Code programming

Job description

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Special Materials Machinist 2 /Special Materials Machinist 3 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.

Shape the Future of National Security, One Precision Component at a Time! Some careers involve supporting the mission from the sidelines. This one puts you at its center. When scientists across the nation need precisely crafted high explosive components to test the technologies that safeguard our country, they turn to the High Explosives (HE) Fabrication and Disposition team (M-8). If you want to apply your craftsmanship, discipline, and technical curiosity to work that matters, this is your opportunity to join a team that few people ever get to be part of.

As a member of M-8, you will help manufacture precision high explosives and mock (inert) components that support the entire Department of Energy (DOE) complex. Your work will enable critical research at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the Nevada National Security Site, Sandia National Laboratories, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The components you help produce are used in small-scale experiments, integrated experiments, hydrodynamic experiments, sub‑critical experiments, and joint‑test assemblies. Each one is built to exacting specifications and plays a direct role in advancing scientific understanding.

You will work in a collaborative, hands‑on environment where safety, security, and efficiency guide every task. Day to day, that means fabricating and finishing both live and inert materials, following rigorous procedures, and partnering with scientists, engineers, and fellow technicians to meet demanding experimental needs. Attention to detail and a strong commitment to a culture of safety are essential, as the quality of your work shapes the success of experiments across the national laboratory network.

If you are ready to take on meaningful work with real national impact, alongside a team dedicated to excellence, we encourage you to deliver the precision the mission demands.

Special Materials Machinist 2 $72,800 - $115,400

The successful candidate will operate manual and CNC mills and lathes as well as multiaxis CNC machines in the safe manufacturing of high explosive (HE) components under the mentoring of a senior machinist and HE handler.

Special Materials Machinist 3 $80,400 - $127,900

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the successful candidate will work independently in the machining of HE components and assemblies. They will contribute to programming, tooling and fixturing specifications as part of the process development activities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge Foundational knowledge of manual and CNC machine setup and operation to facilitate machining operations of HE components. Ability to utilize manual inspection equipment like calipers, micrometers and height gauges to perform standard part inspections. Working knowledge in blueprint reading to understand customer requirements to support machining processes. Foundational knowledge of applied shop mathematics.

Communication Ability to communicate effectively to understand the necessary requirements of your assigned tasks and then perform those tasks in a safe and secure manner. Attention to detail and the ability to collaborate effectively with other machinists is essential.

Additional Job Requirements for Special Materials Machinist 3:

Technical Knowledge Fully proficient in the setup and operation of manual and CNC mills and lathes. Ability to program CNC machines utilizing conversational or CAM software. Fully proficient knowledge and ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and then utilizing that knowledge to develop the necessary machining processes to complete a part from stock materials. Intermediate knowledge of tooling and fixturing methods supporting machining processes.

Communication Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with machinists, inspectors, engineers and scientists to develop appropriate solutions to machining challenges.

Education/Experience at Special Materials Machinist 2: Position requires an Associate's Degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 2 years of related experience; OR, 4 years prototype experience; OR, Journeyperson qualification program and 2 years of related experience.

Education/Experience at Special Materials Machinist 3: Position requires an Associate's Degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 4 year's related experience; OR, 6 year's prototype experience; OR, Journeyperson qualification program and 4 years of experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Mastercam Software
• Experience with Fanuc, HAAS, or Hurco controllers
• LANL HE Handler experience or equivalent
• Experience with GD&T
• G&M Code programming
• Active DOE Q clearance

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 2 years.

Work Schedule: The selected candidate is required to work on-site. This position may be initially trained on days and transition to a 4-10 swing shift Mon‑Thur.

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)

Additional Details: Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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 matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• 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. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular‑status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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.