Research Technologist 3

About the role

The Advanced Technology Group (NEN-2) conducts research, development, training and operations in the application of passive and active nuclear measurement techniques, as well as radiography. Applications of primary interest to the group include nuclear criticality safety, nuclear weapons, nuclear emergency response programs and nuclear energy. NEN-2 conducts nuclear criticality research supporting basic science in nuclear chain-reacting systems and contributing to nuclear data validation, criticality safety validation, and performance of novel materials or reactor concepts. A key component of the NEN-2 mission is to teach a wide variety of personnel how to safely handle, detect, characterize, and manage nuclear materials. NEN-2 staff members conduct classes in criticality safety, nuclear materials handling methods, and nuclear instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Operate, support, maintain, and troubleshoot/repair a variety of radiation detection equipment, both gamma-ray and neutron based.
• Operate, support, maintain, and troubleshoot/repair a variety of low-to-high energy radiography instruments.
• Qualify as a Certified Fissile Material Handler (FMH) to perform hand-on experimental operation with significant quantities of Special Nuclear Material (SNM)
• Qualify as a Certified Fissile Material Handler (FMH) Person-in-Charge (PIC) to assume first line supervisory responsibility for hand-on experimental operation with significant quantities of SNM
• Support NEN-2 scientists/engineers and trainees in doing experiments or conducting training at LANL and/or NCERC
• Mentor and lead other technologists, technicians and personnel in safe work execution.
• Maintain, design, and build instrumentation and equipment for use in radiation detection or radiography
• Learn the principles and practice of radiation measurements, radiography or nuclear criticality safety and develop subject-matter expertise at least one core technique or technology
• Sustain and improve the work authorization and work execution for NEN-2 operations

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience with radiation detection instrumentation or radiography instruments, for example, installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, or analysis of experimental data or demonstrated experience working successfully in a Hazard Category 2 Nuclear Facility
• Demonstrated experience with hands-on technical work, for example, use of hand tools, machining, device fabrication or assembly, electronics, computer networking, etc.
• Demonstrated experience organizing technical work, for example, coordination with other entities, purchases, shipping, equipment, labs, schedules
• Ability to formulate and implement innovative approaches and solutions to problems
• Demonstrated experience working successfully in a high consequence environment that demands excellent attention to detail, conduct of operations, and safe work practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum Job Requirements:
• Desired Qualifications:

Skills

• Strong computer skills, for example, data acquisition, experiment control, programming, or data management.
• Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic-research and mission-science programs as needs and opportunities evolve with 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)

Pay

$106,400 - $176,000

Schedule

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

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of 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.

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.
• Work Environment:
• Climbing stairs, walking, lifting 20-30 pounds, ability to wear personal protective equipment, including a full-face respirator or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
• Work in areas controlled for radioactive contamination and/or radiation exposure, work in a noisy environment, work near electrical power supplies, work near machinery with moving parts, safety glasses or eye protection, hearing protection, safety shoes or protective footgear, potential for frequent domestic travel to NCERC (NV)

Note to Applicants

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:

Directive 206.2

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.

Incentive Compensation Program

Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.