Space Instrument Development and Fabrication 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. We lead experiments on NASA missions, including the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars Rovers, Van Allen Probes, IMAP, and IBEX.
This position will support the X-ray and Particle Sensor (XAPS) 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 XAPS 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 and product assembly. Adherence to safety, security, and best fabrication practices is imperative for success in this position.
Responsibilities
On any given day, you may be called to:
- Assemble, test, and modify electrical and mechanical components, assemblies, and systems that include specialized functions.
- Procure mechanical fabricated parts and other assembly-related components for instrument development and assembly.
- Interpret part and assembly design drawings and perform inspections using hand inspection tools as well as Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM's).
- Generate design, assembly, and test documentation as appropriate and perform in-process inspection to assure product quality.
- Collaborate with team members to identify problems and implement solutions.
- Utilize inspection support equipment during R&D and production efforts for requirements verification.
- Participate as a contributing Integration & Test team member, open to being mentored and developing technical skillsets.
- Embrace safety and security policies, programs, procedures, and practices.
- Make safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security.
- Promote a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
- Perform field troubleshooting on systems and test equipment using detailed drawings, manuals, and written instructions.
Development and Fabrication Technician 3
- 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, mechanical tooling, and fixtures.
- Design 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
- Perform all the tasks of a Technician 3, and additionally develop work plans, lead and review other employees' work, and mentor junior staff.
- Assist in leading instrument integration, performing verification testing, and managing delivery and integration to external customers.
- Display advanced knowledge of a wide range of mechanical tools, materials, and systems.
- Have regular contact with the broader project team including other technicians, scientists, and engineers, as well as external partners.
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 develop alternative approaches and recommend solutions for complex mechanical 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 skills in mechanical 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.
- Ability to represent the project across ISR, other groups within LANL, external vendors, and customers.
- Experience delivering products on schedule while being involved in multiple workflows with competing priorities.
- Ability to learn, mentor, and be mentored to complete job functions as part of a team and execute tasks independently.
Qualifications
Education/Experience
- Development and Fabrication Technician 3: Associate's degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
- Development and Fabrication Technician 4: Associate's degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working with spaceflight hardware.
- Technical and procedure writing experience.
- Experience participating in setup and execution of research and development test campaigns.
- Demonstrated experience working with and handling sensitive information.
- Working knowledge of LANL procurement process.
- Prototype machining, fabrication, 3D printing experience.
- 3D modeling design software experience.
- Experience or interest in conducting research, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions on problems affecting electronic and mechanical systems and/or equipment.
- Ability to read and understand engineering instructions, drawings, layouts, and other related specifications.
- Knowledge of aerospace industry, regulatory, or DOE/NNSA Complex codes and standards.
Physical Requirements
- Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half-mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground.
- Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs.
- Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments.
Work Environment
- Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM.
- 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. 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 and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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 conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government.
- Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens.
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
- Development and Fabrication Technician 3: $66,100 - $103,600
- Development and Fabrication Technician 4: $72,800 - $115,400