Experimental Field Research Technician 4/5

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

About the Role

The Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (C-PCS) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a talented research technician with experience as a mechanic fabricating, maintaining, and modifying specialized equipment and parts. Our group engages in multidisciplinary research focused on the use of spectroscopy to investigate a variety of complex problems.

This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 4 or 5 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned if 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 challenges. The role involves designing, modifying, and fabricating parts and instrumentation using hand tools, often requiring creative problem-solving and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Operate cranes for critical and non-critical lifts, drive forklifts, and use various power tools.
• Work both indoors and outdoors to support experimental operations.
• Design, modify, and fabricate parts and instrumentation using hand tools.
• Handle administrative responsibilities, including equipment ordering and maintenance, seeking operational approvals, overseeing installations, and training new personnel.
• Provide oversight of the machine shop and outdoor test facility.
• Troubleshoot and maintain pumps, valves, process control systems, and high-pressure/vacuum systems (highly desirable).
• Lift up to 50 lbs, travel, and obtain respirator and forklift certifications.

Requirements

Research Technician 4 ($72,800 - $115,400)

• Familiarity operating hand tools and machine shop equipment.
• Ability to manufacture and modify parts made from typical materials.
• Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and exhibiting collaborative behavior.
• Experience working with and following procedures, including procedure review and IWD or other work instructions.
• Experience maintaining and organizing tools, scientific equipment, and specialized spaces.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• Ability to become certified to wear a respirator.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/Experience: Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Research Technician 5 ($87,800 - $143,000)

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated skills, experience, or specialized training for work in a machine shop.
• Proficient ability to set up and operate manual equipment and CNC.
• 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 set up and operate manual equipment and CNC.

Education/Experience: Associate's Degree and 7 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Qualifications

• Familiarity working in a machine shop and using hand tools.
• Familiarity with 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.

Work Environment

• Ability to work in a wide range of ambient temperatures, including machine shops and outdoor environments.
• Operation of specialized heavy equipment and motor vehicles.
• Work near machinery with moving parts.
• Wear necessary safety equipment, including eye protection, masks or respirators, gloves, safety shoes, and seat belts.
• Adhere to driving speed limits.

Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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) (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).

Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization is ultimately a decision of the Federal Government.

Citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.