High Explosives Research Technician (Research Tec 4/5)

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Company: Los Alamos National Laboratory

Location: Los Alamos, NM 87544

Description:

Description

Job Title High Explosives Research Technician (Research Tec 4/5)

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name Q-5/High Explosives Science and Technology Group

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

What You Will Do

Put your thermal and mechanical aptitude to use by supporting national security! The High Explosives Science and Technology Group (Q-5) is searching for a High Explosives Research Technician to join our team. Q-5 serves the Laboratory by providing the knowledge base in High Explosives (HE). The High Explosives Science and Technology Group (Q-5) is part of the Weapons Stockpile Modernization (Q) Division. Q-5 is strongly teamwork based and very scientifically driven. In this position, you will work closely with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technologists, and technicians on projects and programs for both internal and external customers. Interpersonal communication and teamwork are important elements of this work environment, as is a commitment to LANL's safety and security culture. If you are curious, questioning, and have an exceptional attention to detail, we encourage you to consider this job.

This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 4/ Research Technician 5 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Research Technician 4 $71,200 - $112,900

You will perform thermal and mechanical testing and data analysis on a variety of explosives using multiple techniques, including mechanical testing workstations with environmental/ thermal chambers, thermal mechanical analyzer, dynamic mechanical analyzer, intermediate rate gas gun with high explosive projectiles, high explosives cutting and polishing, optical microscopy and many others. You will work with a team to implement and troubleshoot, repair and validate methods on experimental diagnostics. You will also assist outside vendors in calibrating equipment. You will also manipulate and plot data using computer software and apply more rigorous analysis by using statistical methods and programming capabilities. You will be responsible for coordinating with facilities operations in lab spaces around HE work. You will be responsible for consumable supply inventory and HE inventory of thermal mechanical lab spaces

You must be willing to work with high explosives and other hazardous materials and be committed to complying with established safety procedures and policies. You are required to maintain a well organized workspace and assist with team members as needed. You will assist in the packaging, transportation, storage and inventory of high explosives as well as work with procurement on making various purchases.

Research Technician 5 $85,900 - $139,900

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level you will independently design fixtures and develop procedures for thermal mechanical testing. You will manage your delegated tasks and testing schedule independently to complete in a timely manner with minimal direction from R&D supervisor. You will schedule and perform annual equipment calibrations with outside vendors. With some independence, you will implement and troubleshoot experimental diagnostics including but not limited to: strain gauges, load cells, lasers, oscilloscopes, high-speed cameras, ovens, thermocouples, pressure systems, etc. You will work in multiple lab spaces, master a variety of experimental techniques, focus on data analysis using computer software, develop procedures, and write reports. You will provide advanced input for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

This posting is under the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Engineering (ALDW).

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Mechanical and Thermal Knowledge

Aptitude or experience in in engineering fundamentals, preferably in mechanical or thermal measuring techniques. Proficiency with hand tools, mechanical equipment systems, lifting and hoisting equipment, and laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Experience in equipment troubleshooting and maintenance.

Research Techniques

Demonstrated ability to keep accurate, careful records of experiments, data collection, and analyses. A bility to handle small, fragile parts and to perform highly detailed tasks demonstrating a high level of attention to detail.

Requirements and Regulations

Demonstrated experience working to a set of defined requirements and regulations (e.g., high explosives safety). Knowledge of industry, regulatory codes, ASTM standards, etc.

Computer Knowledge

Knowledge in computers and software applications that include file management, word-processing, data manipulation, and spreadsheet usage.

Communication and Personal Leadership Skills

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers; strong teaming skills and self-motivation. Demonstrate an ability to be proactive and work under minimal supervision. Ability to multi-task and be self motivated in a complex work environment.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Technician 5:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

Specialized Trainings

Specialized training or experience in materials/engineering fundamentals

Data Analyses

Experience in computer-based data manipulation and programming.

Education/Experience at Research Technician 4 level : Position requires an Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience at Research Technician 5 level : Position requires an Associate's Degree and 7 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience or familiarity in CAD drawings.
  • Familiarity with LabVIEW programming.
  • Experience with safe handling practices of energetic materials and explosives.
  • Experience with thermal and mechanical properties and measurements of polymers.
  • LANL High Explosives (HE) Handler Qualification or other experience/training in handling explosives.
  • Working knowledge of HE characterization techniques and how they relate to HE sensitivity and performance testing.
  • Experience with the development of analytical procedures.
  • Willingness to obtain a LANL forklift license.
  • Ability to obtain a Q Clearance, which normally requires US citizenship.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation) : Color discrimination; ability to smell; ability to discriminate speech; ability to hear in normal range; reaching overhead; typing or keyboarding; fine motor control; use of both hands; lifting, carrying, and pushing 30-50 pounds; abilty to move gas cylinders.

Work Environment:

Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year .

Note to Applicants:

All applicants must submit a cover letter addressing how he/she meets the required and desired skills of the position, in order to be evaluated for this position.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

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)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). 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. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.

Employment Status Full Time

Appointment Type Regular

Regular

Contact Details

Contact Name Anaya, Joseph Raymond (JoeRay)

Email jranaya@lanl.gov

Work Telephone

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