Technician III - Chemical Engineering

About the Role

The BEST directorate is seeking a full-time Research Technician to support research across multiple projects and offices, including DOE and DOW projects. The successful candidate will assist in day-to-day research and development activities in catalysis, synthesis, and separation laboratories. This is a fast-paced, dynamic, and growing research environment with passionate, mission-driven, and diverse team members. Adaptability and an aptitude for learning are critical in this role.

Our team brings together a wide range of technical expertise and experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of advancing understanding at the intersection of fundamental science and industrial application. The primary goal of this position is to provide researchers within our group the support necessary to safely achieve their cutting-edge research.

Responsibilities

• Operation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of bench-scale high-pressure reactor systems and other equipment related to chemistry and process science research
• Sample production, processing, and analysis
• Modification, fabrication/assembly, and installation of research equipment for unique experiments
• Wet chemistry experimentation
• Writing/updating safety documentation, including operating procedures, equipment logs, technical drawings, and management of change documentation
• On-boarding new equipment through design, procurement, safety assessments, and commissioning
• Assisting with maximizing lab space by working with Environmental Health and Safety, Research Operations, and other key functional teams
• Advancing safe laboratory practices through daily research activities
• Assisting with monthly and quarterly reporting requirements for funding agencies
• Presenting results in a concise, organized, and meaningful way

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 2 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.
• Full knowledge of specialized focused support functions.
• Complete acquaintance with and understanding of the general and detailed aspects of the supported activities, and their practical applications to problems and situations ordinarily encountered.
• Proficient in research techniques and practices.
• Solid communication, interpersonal, project management, and customer relations skills.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Qualifications

• Well organized with a focus on attention to detail, exemplified by detailed lab notes, accurate data collection, and thorough analysis
• Strong multi-tasking and time management skills
• Experience working with basic installation tools (e.g., wrenches, drills, pliers, clamps, levels, and screwdrivers)
• Embody a strong safety culture including dedication to a clean and organized work area
• Good written and verbal communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with basic chemistry equipment, glassware, and procedures
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated
• Basic understanding of hazardous gas/liquid/waste material handling and chemical reactions
• Adaptable and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Fabricating and designing custom equipment
• Familiarity/experience with pipe thread, compression (Swagelok and Valco), VCR, VCO, and flange/gasket connections
• Understanding of materials of construction (strength, pressure and temperature ratings, chemical compatibility, thermal/electrical conductivity)
• Experience with chemical safety and in handling toxic or flammable gases or liquids, including experience working with compressed hydrogen gas
• Experience working with compressed gases and general knowledge of pressure safety
• Experience with chemical reactor operation
• Experience reviewing designs of new equipment, interpreting P&IDs of new systems and changes to existing equipment and systems

About NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado, and is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration.

From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Pay

Annual Salary Range: $57,900 - $95,500 (based on full-time 40 hours per week). NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Pension benefits*
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*
• Sick leave (where required by law)
• Eligibility for performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards that include a monetary component (not guaranteed)
• Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement

*Based on eligibility rules

Security and Workplace Requirements

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, including a favorable background investigation as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12)
• NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment, which includes testing for marijuana unless prohibited by state or local law
• NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act