Los Alamos National Laboratory

Experimental Field Research Technician 4/5

Los Alamos National Laboratory$72K — $143K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of related experience or equivalent education and experience.
  • Proficient in operating hand tools and machine shop equipment.
  • Experience in fabricating and modifying parts from various materials.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
  • Familiar with following technical procedures and work instructions.
  • Experience in maintaining and organizing scientific tools and equipment.
  • Willingness to work outdoors under various conditions.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical support for experimental operations and research activities.
  • Design, modify, and fabricate specialized parts for equipment.
  • Maintain and repair scientific instruments and equipment as needed.
  • Assist in the oversight of equipment ordering and maintenance tasks.
  • Train new personnel in operating tools and equipment safely.
  • Operate cranes and forklifts for critical and non-critical lifts.
  • Complete administrative duties related to safety and operational approvals.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge scientific research.
  • Potential for long-term career advancement within the organization.
Full Job Description
Description

Job Title Experimental Field Research Technician 4/5

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name C-PCS/Physical Chem & Applied Spectroscopy

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

What You Will Do
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
The Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (C-PCS) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is looking for a talented research technician with experience as a mechanic fabricating, maintaining and modifying specialized equipment and parts. Our group engages in multi-disciplinary research focused on the use of spectroscopy to investigate a variety of complex problems. The group is seeking a person with expertise in one or more of these focused areas of research. #chemistry, #cpcs, #chemtec
This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 4 or 5 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 selected candidate will contribute to world-class scientific research by providing hands-on technical support across diverse experimental operations. We are seeking an experienced technician with strong practical skills in tool use, equipment repair, modification, and fabrication-someone who can troubleshoot, adapt, and create solutions to experimental operations. The successful candidate will operate cranes for critical and non-critical lifts, drive forklifts, use various power tools, and work both indoors and outdoors. This role involves designing, modifying, and fabricating parts and instrumentation using hand tools to support experimental work, often requiring creative problem-solving and adaptability. Administrative responsibilities include equipment ordering and maintenance, seeking operational approvals, overseeing installations, and training new personnel. The position also includes some oversight of the machine shop and outdoor test facility. Prior experience with pumps, valves, process control systems, and high-pressure/vacuum systems is highly desirable. The ability to lift 50 lbs, travel, and obtain respirator and forklift certifications is required.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
Research Technician 4 ($72,800 - $115,400)
  • Familiar operating hand tools and machine shop equipment
  • Manufacture and modify parts made from typical materials.
  • Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and exhibiting collaborative behavior.
  • Demonstrated experience working with and following procedures.
  • Experience with procedure review and following IWD or other work instructions.
  • Experience maintaining and organizing tools, scientific equipment, and specialized space.
  • Ability to work outdoors
  • Ability to become certified to wear a respirator.
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance which typically requires U.S. citizenship.
Research Technician 5 ($87,800 - $143,000)
Additional Job Requirements for Technician 5
  • Demonstrated skills/experience/specialized training for work in a machine shop.
  • Proficient ability to setup and operate manual equipment and CMC.
  • Experience with independent verbal and hands-on coordination with support organizations to complete assigned duties.
  • Experience managing day-to-day activities and maintaining work authorizations.
  • Proven experience independently designing and fabricating specialized parts
  • Experience with procedure writing
  • Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings
  • Experience working with electrical and pressurized systems
  • Experience creating CAD/CAM files or G&M code.
  • Expert ability to setup and operate manual equipment and CMC.
Education/Experience at Research Technician 4 level: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at Research Technician 5 level: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 7 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity working in a machine shop and using hand tools
  • Familiar CAD/CAM files or G&M code
  • Licensed forklift operator
  • Rad Worker II training
  • Familiarity working with/on pressure systems
  • Experience working outdoors
  • Active Q clearance
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume and a cover letter that addresses each of the required and desired skills for the position. Please indicate if you are applying for the Technician 4/5.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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.

Work Environment: Ability to work in a wide range of ambient temperatures, working in a machine shop, operate specialized heavy equipment, operation of motor vehicles, near machinery with moving parts and working outdoors. Wear necessary safety equipment including glasses or eye protection, mask or respirator, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes, and seat belt and driving the speed limit.

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.


Employment Status Full Time

Appointment Type Regular

Regular

About Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory initially organized during World War II for the design of nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project. It is located a short distance northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico in the southwestern United States. LANL conducts research in fields such as national security, space exploration, renewable energy, medicine, nanotechnology, and supercomputing. It is the largest institution of its kind in the world. LANL is managed and operated by Triad National Security, LLC, which is composed of Battelle Memorial Institute, the University of California, and the Texas A&M University System.
Learn more about Los Alamos National Laboratory
Size
12,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1943

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