Accelerator Water Systems Technician 3 (Engineered Systems Tec 3)

About the Role

The Mechanical Design Engineering (MDE) group of the Accelerator Operations Technology (AOT) division is seeking a strongly self-motivated Accelerator Water Technician (Engineered Systems Tec 3) to join the LANSCE Water Systems Team.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair cooling water system components such as pumps, piping, valves, heat exchangers, chillers, and instrumentation.
• Provide demonstrated experience working on accelerator water systems, including finding and repairing leaks.
• Identify, purchase, and maintain an inventory of spare parts.
• Plan and prepare for future work.
• Follow instructions closely and consult a supervisor when unsure.
• Collaborate with team members and personnel from outside the team or group.
• Maintain high productivity while prioritizing safety for self and others.
• Perform on-call duties on a rotational basis (24/7 availability for one week at a time) to support LANSCE beam operations. Call-ins may occur at any time and will be paid.
• Work occasional overtime for urgently needed tasks.
• Demonstrate precision control of RF cavity resonance with cooling water temperature modulation.
• Design and fabricate custom devices for maintaining water systems, such as cooling passage flushing carts and pressure test stations.
• Plan and execute maintenance tasks during brief access periods under high pressure to resume operations.
• Use hand tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers) and small power tools (drills, grinders, impact drivers) proficiently.

Requirements

• Demonstrated skills in assembling, maintaining, and operating industrial cooling water systems and associated equipment (pumps, valves, piping, heat exchangers, filters, chillers, and instrumentation), including radiologically activated systems.
• Experience or familiarity with flanged and welded piping systems, soldered, brazed, welded, and fitting-joined tubing assemblies, and associated construction techniques.
• Ability to work safely and effectively as part of a team.
• Basic experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with scientists, engineers, and technicians.

Qualifications

An Associate’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.

Desired Skills

• Experience operating de-ionized water systems and associated equipment.
• Experience rebuilding industrial water pumps.
• Formal training or certification as a pipefitter.
• Brazing and/or welding certification or the ability to certify.
• Experience working in radiation areas and with potentially irradiated systems, including respirator use.
• Basic wiring, fabrication, welding, and machining skills.
• Experience with forklift and crane operations.
• Q clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Work Environment

• Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM (work locations are at the discretion of management).
• Position Commitment: Regular appointment employees must serve a 1-year period in their current position to be eligible for other Laboratory jobs unless approved by their Division Leader.
• Citizenship Restrictions: Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, North Korea, and the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security laboratories.

Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance, which necessitates U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation. Additional access authorization may be required, subject to federal approval.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award-winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (for candidates outside a 50-mile radius).

Additional Notes

• New-employment drug test required; random drug testing is part of the Laboratory’s substance abuse policy. Federal law prohibits marijuana use, even if legalized by state law.
• Regular position: Term employees may convert to regular status after meeting eligibility requirements.