Materials Characterization Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)

This position is open for external candidates only.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technologist 1 or 2 to join the Characterization and Special Projects Team of Sigma Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Sigma Division focuses on materials science and engineering, emphasizing metallurgical processes and research in support of the experimental testing program at Los Alamos. The Division is a service-oriented capability that supports a broad customer base, both internal and external to LANL, with high-quality, one-of-a-kind prototype components. The work ranges from unclassified to TS/SCI level security and covers all materials from hydrogen to uranium on the periodic table of the elements.

Performance of job responsibilities will involve exposure to hazards that include radiation generating devices, radioactive materials, acids/bases, organic solvents, and other hazardous materials. This position requires an excellent work ethic, team-building and mentoring skills, a high level of initiative, and a commitment to safety, quality, and documentation. This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Responsibilities

Research Technologist 1

• Support operations and general laboratory processes in the Sigma-2 characterization lab.
• Cut, grind, mount, polish, and etch samples for microscopic or macroscopic examination using optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and hardness testing.
• Prepare samples for SEM (EDS/EBSD/WDS) analysis.
• Characterize samples using optical microscopy, hardness testing, profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).
• Work independently with initiative.
• Interact with facility personnel for new equipment purchasing, installation, and/or maintenance.
• Analyze data, provide preliminary interpretation of results with charts, graphs, and/or drawings for inclusion in reports for reference or instruction purposes.
• Contribute to meeting program deliverables in nuclear and global security programs.
• Maintain compliance with conduct of operations, safety, security, and environmental regulations.
• Assist with the development of safety documents for activities performed in the metallography lab, safety, and user training.
• Manage chemical waste profiles for disposal according to waste disposal regulations.
• Assist with maintenance of various types of laboratory equipment.

Research Technologist 2

In addition to the responsibilities and activities listed above, the Research Technologist 2 will be expected to:

• Resolve problems of moderately complex scope requiring review of a variety of factors.
• Mentor and train lower-level technologists and technicians.
• Develop/refine preparation and optical imaging techniques on difficult-to-prepare materials.
• Characterize samples using more advanced techniques like wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) and Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB/SEM) and SEM.
• Help lead/delegate sample preparation and data acquisition activities on the lab floor.
• Contribute to the development of characterization techniques.

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements

• A background in metallography, with an emphasis on sample preparation of a variety of material types.
• Ability to understand a wide range of sample preparation techniques and equipment.
• Ability to work with computer systems and applications including PC software and Microsoft Office Suite, including data manipulation and use of databases.
• Ability to interact effectively with colleagues and external collaborators.
• Demonstrate superior verbal communication and teamwork.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans, and Laboratory requirements.
• Ability to follow safeguards and security procedures in accordance with the Laboratory policy.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2

• Demonstrated experience in sample preparation techniques and equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in working with optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and hardness testing.
• Demonstrated experience with computer systems and applications including PC software and Microsoft Office Suite, including data manipulation and use of databases.
• Demonstrated experience in developing reports and reporting on data.

Qualifications

Education/Experience for Research Technologist 1

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for Research Technologist 2

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Skills

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience with hardness testing.
• Previous experience with image analysis.
• Previous experience operating optical microscopes.
• Experience using electron microscopes and focused ion beam instruments.
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and setting up lab equipment.
• Experience in handling uranium, beryllium, and other hazardous alloys.

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans, and Laboratory requirements.
• Ability to pass and maintain required training.
• Ability to follow safeguards and security procedures in accordance with Laboratory policy.
• Color discrimination, peripheral vision, depth perception, binocular vision, reading vision.
• Use of both hands, use of both arms, pushing and pulling with hands and arms, and lifting 10-20 pounds.
• Ability to hear in a normal range (500-3000 Hz).

Pay

• Research Technologist 1: $87,800-$143,000
• Research Technologist 2: $96,600-$158,000

While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grow into the full salary band over time.

Benefits

• 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).

Schedule

This is a regular, full-time position. 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. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

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.

Due to federal restrictions, 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 ("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.

Clearance

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.