DescriptionJob Title High Explosives Research Tec (Research Tec 4/5)
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name Q-5/High Explosives Science and Technology
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do This position is open for external candidates only to apply. We are looking for a Research Technician to support Pilot Scale High Explosive (HE) Synthesis and Formulation Manufacturing campaigns in the High Explosives Science and Technology Group (Q-5) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. High Explosive Science & Technology (Q-5) Group, serves the Laboratory and nation by providing the knowledge base in high explosives (HE) testing for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other national security areas. The group specializes in a broad array of energetic materials science including development (synthesis and formulation) and testing of novel explosives, pilot plant production of explosive materials, advanced manufacturing of explosives, analytical chemistry of explosives and explosive ingredients, thermal and mechanical characterization of neat explosives and their formulations, detonation performance testing, and special security projects.
This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 4/ Research Technician 5 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level. Research Technician 4 $72,800 - $115,400 Q-5 is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented technician to work alongside a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and technologists in the development and execution of LANL mission-relevant projects involving the manufacturing and processing of high explosive powders and their formulations. The selected candidate will provide operational support in a range of high explosive manufacturing operations including but not limited to: Pilot Plant synthesis, large scale mixing operations, and formulations. A range of maintenance and preparatory support will also be required, including maintaining equipment, ensuring all waste is compliant, and procuring any and all necessary chemical precursors and consumables. Prior experience with mass transfer pumps, valves, process control systems, and high pressure and vacuum systems is desireable. The ability to lift and move 50-lbs, become respirator and forklift certified is required.
The ideal candidate is careful and methodical, and will prioritize the production of high quality data and material, while abiding by all required safety practices.
Research Technician 5 $87,800 - $143,000 In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, we will consider candidates with prior chemical manufacturing experience for a Research Technician 5 position. This candidate will be required to assist with production schedule planning and work closely with scientists and engineers to develop manufacturing process improvements. This involves troubleshooting equipment, refining the chemical process, and improving process safety and efficiency.
This posting is under the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Engineering (ALDW).
What You Need Minimum Job Requirements: Technical Knowledge Experience or familiarity working in a chemical research setting or knowledge of chemical processes (i.e. synthesis, crystallization, solubility, and heat transfer). Proficiency with hand tools, mechanical equipment systems, lifting and hoisting equipment, and basic laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Experience in equipment troubleshooting and maintenance.
Research Techniques Demonstrated ability to keep accurate, careful records of experiments, data collection, and analyses. Ability to handle and move large amounts of solvent, waste, and chemical precursors to perform tasks demonstrating a high level of attention to detail under strict safety protocols.
Computer Knowledge Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word with additional knowledge in computers and software applications that include file management, word-processing, and data manipulation.
Communication and Personal Leadership Skills Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers; strong teaming skills and self-motivation. Demonstrated ability to be proactive and work under minimal supervision. Shown ability to multi-task and be self motivated in a complex work environment.
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technician 5: In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires: Specialized Trainings Specialized training or experience in chemical manufacturing processes (oil & gas, pharmaceutical, semiconductor).
Data Analyses Experience in computer-based data manipulation and programming (i.e. LabView, FlexLogger, Siemens Process Control systems).
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: - Experience or familiarity in CAD drawings.
- Familiarity with LabVIEW programming.
- Familiarity with process control systems, signal wiring, and wiring diagrams.
- Experience with safe handling practices of energetic materials and explosives.
- Experience with large scale chemical synthesis and formulation.
- LANL High Explosives (HE) Handler Qualification or other experience/training in handling explosives.
- Working knowledge of HE characterization techniques and how they relate to HE sensitivity and performance testing.
- Experience with developing SOPs, batch records, or detailed procedures.
- Willingness to obtain a LANL forklift license.
- Active DOE security 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 1 year.
Note to Applicants: - All applicants must submit a cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills of the position, in order to be evaluated for this position.
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.
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.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Regular
Regular
Contact DetailsContact Name Robinson, Loren
Email
[email protected] Work Telephone
