Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Space Instrument Research Technologist 1/2 in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) division is seeking a Space Instrument Research Technologist to join our collaborative and dynamic team! As a leader in space research for over sixty years, ISR Division designs, builds, delivers, and exploits innovative ground- and space-based measurement systems. Our projects range from cutting edge scientific explorations expanding our knowledge of the universe, to ensuring national and global security. ISR is a multidisciplinary organization working across government and commercial sectors to lead experiments for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and other notable agencies. Efforts include direct involvement in imperative missions such as the Curiosity & Perseverance Mars rovers, Van Allen Probes, IBEX, as well as the upcoming IMAP, NACHOS, and BeamPIE projects.
The Space Instrument Realization Group (ISR-5) provides technical expertise to develop, build and deploy these advanced measurement systems into space. ISR-5 is comprised of mechanical and electrical engineers, technicians, and technologists. All members engage within interdisciplinary, high-performance project teams that span from conceptual development to system deployment and mission execution. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, self-motivated, and proficient multi-tasker with a strong desire and capacity to learn and work across disciplines. This role will directly support the prototyping, testing, manufacturing, and deployment of innovative space satellite instruments to support a variety of scientific and national security missions.
This role will support the X-ray and Particle Sensing (XAPS) project. XAPS instruments measure x-rays and energetic charged particles as part of the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) program. The XAPS project provides capabilities to produce actionable information for a broad range of national security stakeholders, and its execution spans all groups of ISR Division as well as other Divisions and external partners. The XAPS team is presently conducting a multi-year production run of multiple flight instruments. We are seeking a technologist who will provide day-to-day calibration support for these instruments and maintain our calibration facility.
On a typical day, you will do one or more of the following:
Execute calibration operations on flight hardware in accordance with defined production schedules and milestones.
Operate commercial and custom-built x-ray calibration systems using standard laboratory equipment.
Produce timely, detailed calibration and test reports aligned with production flow.
Coordinate with engineers, scientists, technicians, and project leadership to maintain production momentum.
Identify and resolve technical or facility issues quickly to minimize schedule impact.
Maintain calibration facilities, equipment readiness, and configuration control.
Perform all work safely and securely in accordance with LANL policies and procedures.
Develop a strong technical understanding of assigned flight instruments to enable efficient troubleshooting.
Lead laboratory refurbishment, maintenance, and readiness activities to support uninterrupted production.
Maintain and modify C# software used for laboratory automation to improve efficiency and repeatability.
Apply analog electronics skills to diagnose and resolve instrument issues.
Analyze and interpret experimental data to author final reports and present results.
Participate in R&D activities without compromising ongoing production commitments.
Research Technologist 1 ($87,800 - $143,000) duties include, though are not limited to the following:
Apply best practices in engineering, math, and science to solve challenging technical problems in broad areas of research and development. This role is responsible for assigned activities in support of facilities, design, operation, maintenance, project- and/or research-based engineering, and performing work within a strong safety and security program. The candidate should be able to work independently as well as part of a team, and actively seek to improve work processes to meet customer needs.
Research Technologist 2 ($96,600 - $158,000) duties include those listed above, and in addition:
Research Technologist 2 will be expected to perform the tasks above in a leadership capacity and help to mentor, lead and review the activities of other employees. A Research Technologist 2 will be expected to communicate results through internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer-reviewed journals. They will be expected to contribute to the development/implementation of new principles and concepts in support of larger customer and project needs.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Knowledge : Working knowledge of calibration and measurement techniques in a production setting; analog electronics; and computer hardware and integration.
Technical Experience : Experience with the handling, safe use, transport, and storage of radioactive sources; data analysis such as data fitting or statistical analysis; and working with standard electronic test equipment.
Technical Skills : Ability to set up, run, troubleshoot, and analyze standalone experiments and acquire data using data acquisition systems. Demonstrated strengths in data analysis, including interpreting experimental results, performing data fitting, troubleshooting with data, and applying statistical methods to improve system performance. Strong documentation and technical communication skills
Teaming and Work Approach : Ability to work successfully in a diverse, collaborative environment with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate must be willing to mentor others, share their knowledge and ideas, and contribute as a leader in areas of their subject matter expertise. This position offers a rich opportunity to both learn and teach.
Safety and Security : Safety and security are the highest priorities for executing work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Candidates must have demonstrated record of commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and quality. This position requires the ability to lead the shipment of hazardous materials between sensitive areas, and the ability to understand and meet technical requirements with the same hardware in different facilities is critical. The ability to obtain a Q clearance is required.
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2 :
In addition to the responsibilities and activities outlined above, the Research Technologist 2 will be expected to apply fundamental understanding and strong technical skills to lead the execution of complex assignments. This position will be expected to mentor technicians, technologists, and junior staff on research or projects. This role may also be required to represent the XAPS program with internal and external stakeholders at technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and program milestones.
Education/Experience at lower level : Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in a related field from an accredited institution and minimum of 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience at higher level : Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in a related field from an accredited institution and minimum of 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications :
Knowledge of radiation detection and measurement techniques and experience characterizing radiation detectors such as solid-state detectors.
Ability to travel, often on short notice, to support mission needs.
Experience with space hardware.
Experience with troubleshooting vacuum systems.
Experience with flash-based X-ray sources.
Experience as a laser operator.
Experience with CAD tools for mechanical design.
Experience with C# or eagerness to learn.
Ability to provide direction and guidance to team members.
Note to Applicants : Candidates are requested to write a cover letter that specifically addresses each job requirement.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Lifting/Carrying 30+ pounds.
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.
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 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.