Space Hardware Production Technician (Development and Fabrication Tec 3/4)
About the Role
The position will be filled at either the Development and Fabrication Technician 3 or 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
The ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks a Development and Fabrication Technician to join our Integration and Test (I&T) team. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and creative problem-solver, able to build a wide range of complex electromechanical instruments and systems. ISR-5 provides engineering and technical expertise to develop and deploy high-quality space- and ground-based measurement systems for national security and basic space science applications.
The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory has been designing, building, and operating highly innovative ground, air, and space-based measurement and detection systems for 60 years. Our work includes space-based measurement systems for verification of international nuclear treaties, basic scientific missions, nuclear nonproliferation, space situational awareness, and remote sensing. In addition, we lead experiments on NASA missions, including the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars Rovers, Van Allen Probes, IMAP, and IBEX.
This position will support the Electromagnetic Pulse Sensor (EMP) project team in the Space-based Nuclear Detonation Detection (SNDD) program by developing, designing, and fabricating parts, fixtures, and assemblies used in hardware critical to national security. The EMP project is a fast-moving, team-oriented environment that balances production of current-generation treaty verification hardware with research and development of future designs. This position will be a critical member of a high-functioning team of technicians, engineers, and scientists. The role interacts regularly with project, government, and commercial partners and is often the first point of contact for hardware fabrication. Adherence to safety, security, and best fabrication practices is imperative for success in this position. The ideal candidate will differentiate themselves through enthusiasm, a passion for space, and a strong collaborative mindset.
Responsibilities
- Assemble and test complex electromechanical systems and perform formal requirements verifications
- Fabricate mechanical components and fixtures with CNC machines, mills, lathes, laser etchers, 3D printers, and other shop equipment
- Collaborate and partner with other team members on technical research and data gathering for engineering analysis
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and understand and implement GD&T
- Participate in the design process for electromechanical subsystems or assemblies within the EMP instrument
- Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) and/or CAD/CAM software
- Author, execute, and troubleshoot detailed test procedures for subassemblies and integrated instrument-level testing
- Help diagnose anomalies, failures, or malfunctions, replace defective components, and perform basic troubleshooting
Development and Fabrication Technician 3
Salary range: $66,100 - $103,600
- Apply technical knowledge to propose solutions to complex design challenges, including interpreting design drawings and acting as a liaison between the project and its partner groups
- Work with mechanical and electrical systems such as standard laboratory and shop equipment, vacuum and pressure systems, measurement machines, tooling and fixtures, and analog, digital, and RF circuitry
- Design simple circuits and mechanical assemblies, develop test procedures, acquire test data, document test results, or troubleshoot custom assemblies and systems
- Work independently as well as part of a team, and actively seek to improve work processes to meet customer needs
Development and Fabrication Technician 4
Salary range: $72,800 - $115,400
- Perform all the tasks of the Technician 3 level in a leadership capacity
- Independently develop work plans, lead and review other employees' work, and mentor junior staff
- Lead instrument integration, perform verification testing, and manage delivery and integration to external customers
- Regular contact with the broader project team including other technicians, scientists, and engineers, as well as external partners
- Display advanced knowledge of a wide range of electrical and mechanical tools, materials, and systems
Requirements
Minimum Job Requirements
Problem Solving- Demonstrated ability to identify problems and generate solutions
- Ability to absorb large volumes of information from a variety of sources and synthesize it into key elements and requirements
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to understand and navigate internal and Laboratory policies and processes
- Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with teams of diverse technical backgrounds
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication, active listening, interpersonal, and organizational skills
- Demonstrated experience handling delicate parts and instruments while performing mechanical inspection and assembly
- Experience using machine shop and laboratory tools, measurement equipment, and hand tools
- Ability to conduct research, develop alternative approaches, and recommend solutions for complex electromechanical problems
- Ability to read, understand, review, and edit engineering procedures, drawings, layouts, and other related instructions
- Demonstrated record of commitment to safety, security, environment, and quality
Additional Job Requirements for Development and Fabrication Technician 4
Technical- Advanced skill in mechanical and electrical development, troubleshooting, testing, and verification
- Demonstrated experience with a wide range of fabrication machinery and equipment including specialty hardware
- Experience designing, testing, and integrating spaceflight hardware or assemblies of similar complexity and delicacy
- Demonstrated experience mentoring staff
- Verbal and written skills sufficient to capture knowledge and transfer it to others
- Technical credibility to lead small teams and the interpersonal skills to resolve conflict and manage those teams effectively
- Ability to represent the project across ISR, other groups within LANL, and with external vendors and customers
- Experience delivering products on schedule while being involved in multiple projects with competing priorities
- Ability to learn and mentor and be mentored to complete job functions as part of a team and execute tasks independently
Education/Experience
- Lower Level: Associate's degree and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation
- Higher Level: Associate's degree and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation
Qualifications
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working with spaceflight hardware
- Understanding of RF signals and signal processing
- Experience participating in setup and execution of research and development test campaigns
- Demonstrated experience working with and handling classified information
Work Environment
The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. 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 are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories.
Clearance
This position requires a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation, and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter.
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)