Nuclear Safeguards Research Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)

About the Role

The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated technologist to support mission-critical work in nuclear safeguards, nonproliferation, and national security. NEN-1 develops and deploys technologies used to measure, characterize, and safeguard nuclear materials in support of domestic and international missions. This position provides a unique opportunity to work directly with special nuclear material, radiation detection systems, and advanced measurement technologies while contributing to some of the Laboratory's most visible national security programs.

The selected candidate will support laboratory, facility, and field activities involving nuclear materials, radiological sources, and radiation detection instrumentation. Responsibilities include supporting experiments, operating and maintaining measurement systems, collecting and analyzing data, preparing technical documentation, and ensuring work is conducted safely and in compliance with all applicable nuclear, radiological, and security requirements.

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or Research Technologist 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Responsibilities

Research Technologist 1

• Perform hands-on technical work involving special nuclear material (SNM), radioactive sources, and radiation detection instrumentation.
• Support operations within Material Balance Areas (MBAs) and other controlled nuclear and radiological environments.
• Assist in the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of experimental systems and measurement equipment.
• Collect, analyze, and document data supporting safeguards, measurement, and engineering applications.
• Contribute to the development and execution of experimental plans and research activities.
• Develop and implement procedures and specifications supporting technical work and project execution.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and technologists.
• Ensure compliance with radiological protection, material control and accountability (MC&A), and nuclear criticality safety requirements.

Research Technologist 2

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, candidates selected at the Research Technologist 2 level will:

• Provide technical leadership for assigned tasks and project activities.
• Mentor junior staff, technicians, technologists, students, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Develop technical specifications and implementation plans for project activities.
• Coordinate portions of projects and ensure deliverables meet quality and schedule requirements.
• Contribute to proposal development and strategic planning activities.
• Co-author technical publications and reports.
• Provide technical review and peer review of documentation and work products.
• Serve as a technical resource for nuclear material handling and safeguards measurement activities.

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of scientific principles, experimental methods, and data collection techniques.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in laboratory, radiological, and nuclear environments.
• Demonstrated ability to follow technical procedures and execute work with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary technical team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, security, and regulatory compliance.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2

• Demonstrated experience working with nuclear materials, radiological sources, or controlled laboratory environments.
• Ability to independently resolve technical problems of moderate complexity.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and project coordination experience.
• Experience mentoring, training, or supervising technical personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to technical planning and project execution.

Training/Certifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain required radiological, nuclear material handling, and facility qualifications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance.

Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.

Qualifications

Education/Experience for Research Technologist 1

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

Desired Qualifications

• Experience handling special nuclear material (SNM), sealed radioactive sources, or radiological materials.
• Familiarity with:
  • Material Control and Accountability (MC&A)
  • Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS)
  • DOE/NNSA regulations and standards
• Experience working in:
  • Glovebox environments
  • High bay facilities
  • Experimental laboratory settings
• Experience with radiation detection instrumentation and measurement systems.
• Strong technical writing and documentation experience.
• Active DOE Q Clearance.

Work Environment

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.

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 national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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.

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)

Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance. 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. Obtaining such clearance requires U.S. 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.

Additional Details

• Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee suitability (NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 for U.S. citizens; DOE Order 142.3A for foreign nationals).
• New-employment drug test is required. The Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although marijuana use is legal in some states, it remains illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
• Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.