Sigma-1 Materials Processing and Compatibility Research Technologist 1/2
About the role
Sigma-1 is seeking qualified applicants for a Research Technologist position. The Sigma Complex is a unique prototyping and fabrication facility that specializes in providing material, components, and manufacturing science to the Los Alamos experimental programs.
Responsibilities
- Design, construction, testing, and operation of vacuum/pressure/gas/furnace/hot-press systems and equipment.
- Preparation, processing, analysis and mechanical testing of polymers, plastics and polymer composite oxides.
- Design and assembly of fixtures and equipment; preparation of engineering drawings using CAD software; interfacing with machine shops.
- Apply the scientific method to address technical problems, operate and troubleshoot commercial off the shelf and custom equipment, including gloveboxes, furnace, hot-presses and analyze data from experiments in the context of the underlying scientific principles or models.
- Interface directly with staff scientists in carrying out collaborative work and communication of results, both verbally and in writing.
Requirements
- Experience in polymers/oxides/hydrides/polymer composites preparation, processing, testing and analysis.
- Basic chemistry/chemical engineering/materials processing knowledge and skills.
- Experience with pressure systems/electrical systems/furnaces/hot-presses/vacuum systems.
- Willingness to learn, maintain and operate commercial off-the-shelf and custom built analytical instrumentation.
- Motivated to be a self-guided learner of new techniques under the supervision of more experienced personnel.
- Willingness to work with radioactive materials and other hazardous materials, chemicals and solvents in a rigorous safety environment.
- Ability to acquire a Q-clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.
Qualifications
- Research Technologist 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
- Research Technologist 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Post graduate course work may be desirable.
Skills
- Organization skills and working in a team-based environment.
- Communication skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
- Experience with materials characterization techniques (XRD, electron microscopes, pycnometer, etc.,).
- Experience with testing materials mechanical properties, compatibility and ageing phenomena.
- Experience in operating and/or maintaining analytical instrumentation.
- Hands-on experience with sample preparation, materials processing in glove box and data acquisition and analysis resulting in reports or published manuscripts.
- Advanced experience with computer aided design (CAD), Labview, Matlab and Origin software.
Benefits
Not specified.
Pay
- Research Technologist 1: $87,800 - $143,000
- Research Technologist 2: $96,600 - $158,000
Schedule
Not specified.
Benefits
Not specified.
Application Instructions
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. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. For full consideration, please include a resume and a detailed cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills.