• Dynamic and Mechanical Testing Research Technologist (Research Technologist 2)

    Los Alamos National LaboratoryLos Alamos, NM 87544

    Job #2697393619

  • What You Will Do

    Research Technologist 2 ($92,300 - $151,000)

    The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) seeks a highly skilled and motivated research technologist to support the Dynamic and Mechanical Testing (DMT) Team at Los Alamos National Laboratory. MST-16 supports a variety of nuclear weapons programs, including Plutonium Modernization, Pit Surveillance, Science Campaigns, and many other programs. As a research technologist, the selected candidate will be responsible for maintenance, diagnostic and software upgrades, procedures, scheduling, and coordination of activities within the nuclear facility, and will be expected to integrate seamlessly with other group capabilities. The DMT team in MST-16 is responsible for the operation of the Isotope Fuels Impact Tester (IFIT), the 40mm Impact Test Facility, the Kolsky Bar Impact Test Facility, and the Mechanical Load Frame. Additional responsibilities include interfacing with other groups, supporting operations, training, and working with the facility cognizant systems engineers.

    What You Need

    Minimum Job Requirements:

    The selected candidate(s) will perform technical work requiring advanced knowledge in science and engineering disciplines and have:

    • Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance and HRP certification.

    • Experience working in areas involving high consequences for safety, e.g. high explosives, high pressure, radiation, high power lasers, high magnetic fields, accelerators, high energy capacitor banks, gas guns, or X-ray systems.

    • Experience working effectively in a large, multi-disciplinary team.

    • Experience working with scientists and engineers to contribute to the development of techniques, implement new principles and concepts, and fulfill research goals.

    • Experience overseeing the work of non-expert staff and verify that the end- product meets expectations and requirements.

    • Experience preparing research documentation and reports and providing peer-review for members of a team.

    • Experience mentoring technicians, providing technical direction to designs and drafting personnel in preparation of drawings.

    Education/Experience : Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

    Desired Qualifications :

    • Active Q clearance and HRP.

    • Fissile Material Handler experience and qualification.

    • High Explosives Handler experience and qualification.

    • Experience in experimental studies of quasi-static mechanical testing, Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar testing, or gas gun testing.

    • Demonstrated knowledge of glovebox work, crane operations, working in respirators.

    • Demonstrated collaboration across divisions to achieve common goals in a challenging regulatory environment.

    • Knowledge of the relationships between microstructure and mechanical behavior.

    • Demonstrated knowledge of scientific principles, experimental processes, computations, and data gathering methods.

    • Demonstrated supervision of projects and personnel as part of a larger project or program.

    Note to Applicants : For full consideration, applications should submit a detailed cover letter addressing all requirements of the job.

    Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

    • Standing, use of both hands and arms, and fine motor control.

    • Depth perception.

    • Climbing ladders.

    • Lifting 20-30 pounds.

    Work Environment :

    • Work near sources of ionizing radiation.

    • Work with explosives.

    • Use of PPE including a respirator.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    HRP : This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

    426.2 : This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

    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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 ~~~ or call ~~~ option 1.