Space Instrument Mechanical Technician (Development and Fabrication Technician 3/4)

About the role

The ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks a Development and Fabrication Technician to join our Mechanical Fabrication and Assembly Team. 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 systems for 60 years.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate mechanical components and fixtures with CNC machines, mills, lathes, laser etchers, 3D printers, and other shop equipment.
• Author and execute detailed test procedures for complex subassemblies and integrated instrument-level testing.
• Absorb large volumes of information from a variety of sources and synthesize it into key elements and requirements.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Work independently as well as part of a team, and actively seek to improve work processes to meet customer needs.
• Develop, design, and fabricate parts, fixtures, and assemblies used in a wide range of satellite hardware and ground support equipment.
• Interpret design drawings and act as a liaison between the machine shop and our partner groups.
• Read, understand, review, and edit engineering procedures, drawings, layouts, and other related instructions.
• Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) and/or CAD/CAM software.
• Diagnose anomalies, failures, or malfunctions, replace defective components, and perform basic troubleshooting using drawings, manuals, and written instructions.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and generate solutions.
• Understand and navigate internal and Laboratory policies and processes.
• Communicate and team effectively with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Handle delicate parts and instruments while performing mechanical inspection and assembly.
• Read, understand, review, and edit engineering procedures, drawings, layouts, and other related instructions.
• Commitment to safety, security, environment, and quality.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
• Advanced skill in mechanical and electrical development, troubleshooting, testing, and verification.
• Acts as a go-to resource for other staff with questions about approaches and best practices for fabrication and assembly.
• Experience designing, testing, and integrating spaceflight hardware or assemblies of similar complexity and delicacy.
• Leadership experience mentoring staff.
• Verbal and written skills sufficient to capture knowledge and transfer it to others.
• Experience participating in setup and execution of research & development field test campaigns.
• Forklift and manlift experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with and handling classified information.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience participating in setup and execution of research & development field test campaigns.
• Forklift and manlift experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with and handling classified information.