Technician III - Chemical Engineering

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pension benefits

403(b) Employee Savings Plan with ERS

Sick leave

Job summary

National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO seeks a Research Technician III to support catalysis, synthesis and separation projects. The role involves operating and maintaining bench-scale reactor systems, producing samples, assembling equipment, and maintaining safety and documentation in a fast-paced environment.

You will contribute to multiple projects across DOE and internal efforts, applying strong organizational, troubleshooting and communication skills while helping advance energy

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 4+ years experience or an Associate's degree with 2+ years.
• Solid knowledge of research techniques and practices in a lab environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organization and data collection skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair bench-scale high-pressure reactor systems and related equipment.
• Produce, process, and analyze samples for research projects.
• Modify, fabricate or assemble equipment and install for unique experiments.
• Conduct wet-chemistry experiments and document procedures and logs.
• Onboard new equipment through design, procurement, safety assessments and commissioning.
• Collaborate with EH&S and other teams to optimize lab space and safety.
• Promote safe laboratory practices and support monthly/quarterly reporting.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Time management

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree or certificate

Tools

Wrenches

Drills

Pliers

Clamps

Levels

Screwdrivers

Job description

Posting TitleTechnician III - Chemical Engineering.LocationCO - Golden.Position TypeLimited Term (Fixed Term).Hours Per Week40.Working at NLRNLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.Job DescriptionThe BEST directorate is seeking a full-time Research Technician to support research across multiple projects and multiple offices, including DOE and DOW projects. The successful candidate will assist in the day-to-day research and development activities in catalysis, synthesis, and separation laboratories. This is a fast-paced, dynamic, and growing research environment, with passionate, mission-driven, and diverse team members. Adaptability and an aptitude for learning are critical in this role.Our team brings together a wide range of technical expertise and experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of advancing understanding at the intersection of fundamental science and industrial application. The primary goal of this position is to provide researchers within our group the support necessary to safely achieve their cutting-edge research.The Research Technician (Operate) will support research through a variety of activities including but not limited to:Operation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of bench-scale high-pressure reactor systems and other equipment related to chemistry and process science researchSample production, processing, and analysisModification, fabrication/assembly, and installation of research equipment for unique experimentsWet chemistry experimentationWriting/updating safety documentation, including operating procedures, equipment logs, technical drawings, management of change documentationOn-boarding new equipment through design, procurement, safety assessments, and commissioningAssisting with maximizing lab space by working with Environmental Health and Safety, Research Operations, and other key functional teamsAdvancing safe laboratory practices through daily research activitiesAssisting with monthly and quarterly reporting requirements for funding agenciesPresenting results in a concise, organized, and meaningful way.Basic QualificationsHigh School Diploma or equivalent and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 2 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Full knowledge of specialized focused support functions. Complete acquaintance with and understanding of the general and detailed aspects of the supported activities, and their practical applications to problems and situations ordinarily encountered. Proficient in research techniques and practices. Solid communication, interpersonal, project management and customer relations skills.* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.Additional Required QualificationsThe successful candidate will:Be well organized and focus on attention to detail, exemplified by detailed lab notes, accurate data collection and thorough analysisHave strong multi-tasking and time management skillsExperience working with basic installation tools (e.g. wrenches, drills, pliers, clamps, levels, and screwdrivers)Embody a strong safety culture including dedication to a clean and organized work areaGood written and verbal communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skillsFamiliarity with basic chemistry equipment, glassware, and proceduresExcellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsBe self-motivatedBasic understanding of hazardous gas/liquid/waste material handling and chemical reactionsBe adaptable and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learningPreferred QualificationsFabricating and designing custom equipmentFamiliarity/experience with pipe thread, compression (Swagelok and Valco), VCR, VCO, and flange/gasket connectionsUnderstanding of materials of construction (strength, pressure and temperature ratings, chemical compatibility, thermal/electrical conductivity)Experience with chemical safety and in handling toxic or flammable gases or liquids, including experience working with compressed hydrogen gasExperience working with compressed gases and general knowledge of pressure safetyExperience with chemical reactor operationExperience reviewing designs of new equipment, interpreting P&IDs of new systems and changes to existing equipment and systems.Job Application Submission WindowThe anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Research Technician III / Annual Salary Range: $57,900 - $95,500NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.* Based on eligibility rulesBadging RequirementNLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.Drug Free WorkplaceNLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.Submission GuidelinesPlease note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application..Equal Opportunity EmployerAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.Reasonable AccommodationsE -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to workE-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.