Early Career R&D Laboratory Support Technologist, Material Properties, Onsite

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas.

• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions, including 9/80, 4/10 compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting.
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401(k), learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance.

World‑changing technologies. Life‑changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

* These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking a lab technologist to support scientists and engineers in dynamic material studies. Below are the expectations for this position:

• Participate in the execution of physics experiments, collaborating with scientists and engineers in high‑energy‑density material studies using the Z Machine, Shock Thermodynamics Applied Research, and Dynamic Integrated Compression Experimental facilities at Sandia National Laboratories.
• Support research operations including design and assembly of test fixtures, modification of experimental hardware, shot execution, and turnaround.
• Build, modify, repair, or maintain a wide variety of laboratory apparatus and equipment; create interfaces and data acquisition systems for instruments.
• Troubleshoot and maintain electronic, optical, and mechanical equipment, including electrical cables, optical fibers, and signal acquisition and recording instruments.
• Manage a laboratory space, including working with suppliers, managing supplies, and upgrading capabilities.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

$63,800 - $123,400

* Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent plus three (3) or more years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting in optical, mechanical or electrical engineering field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance.

• A relevant associate or bachelor's degree combined with applicable experience (totaling 7 years), or an equivalent blend of education and engineering or scientific experience that showcases the knowledge, skills, and capability to conduct independent research and development.
• Ability and interest to participate in technical discussions with scientists and engineers to solve complex problems.
• Ability to conceptualize and communicate major elements of experimental design and results and to represent to other staff, management, and visitors, the scientific and engineering principles being investigated or developed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the development and delivery of work plans, maintenance schedules, presentations, proposals, and reports.
• Active DOE L or Q clearance.

The Dynamic Materials Properties Department at Sandia National Laboratories (Department 1646) performs experimental measurements of dynamic material properties at high pressures, including material’s equations of state, phase boundaries, and constitutive properties. Experiments are performed with a variety of drivers, from high‑velocity gas guns to the most powerful pulsed‑power facility in the world, the 26‑million‑ampere Z facility. The focus of the department is dynamic material properties experiments using both high‑pressure shock waves and shockless compression.

A particularly exciting area of emerging interest is the study of material properties in regions of phase space that are both off‑Hugoniot and off the principal isentrope. The department is responsible for designing, executing, diagnosing, and analyzing dynamic materials properties experiments on the Z facility, and at…