Materials Processing and Compatibility Research Technologist

What You Will Do

Sigma-1 is seeking a Research Technologist to work in a collaborative team that designs and operates vacuum/pressure/gas systems, processes polymers and polymer composites, and collects experimental data. The successful candidate will support experimental programs that span materials from hydrogen to uranium and add to the mission of Los Alamos National Laboratory.

• Design, construct, test, and operate vacuum/pressure/gas/furnace/hot-press systems and equipment.
• Prepare, process, analyze, and mechanically test polymers, plastics, and polymer composite oxides.
• Design and assemble fixtures and equipment; create engineering drawings in CAD and interface with machine shops.
• Operate and troubleshoot commercial off‑the‑shelf and custom equipment, including glove boxes, furnaces, hot‑presses, and analyze experimental data.
• Collaborate directly with staff scientists, communicate results verbatim in oral and written reports, and maintain high quality experiments, data collection, and archiving.
• At the Research Technologist 2 level, oversee technologists, technicians, and students, and analyze experimental data to ensure high‑quality experiments and data archiving.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience for Research Technologist 1; 5 years for Research Technologist 2 (post‑graduate coursework desirable).
• Experience in polymers/oxides/hydrides/polymer composites preparation, processing, testing, and analysis.
• Basic chemistry and materials processing knowledge.
• Experience with pressure systems, electrical systems, furnaces, hot‑presses, vacuum systems.
• Willingness to learn and operate analytical instrumentation and work with hazardous materials in a safety environment.
• US citizenship required to obtain a Q clearance.

• Materials characterization techniques (XRD, electron microscopy, pycnometry, etc.).
• Mechanical testing, compatibility, and aging studies.
• Sample preparation and data acquisition with published manuscripts.
• Computer‑aided design (CAD), Lab View, MATLAB, and Origin software proficiency.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

• PPO or HDHP medical, dental, vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability.
• Paid parental leave and PTO.
• 6% 401(k) match and 3.5% annual increases.
• Tuition assistance and learning opportunities.
• Flexible schedules and onsite wellness.
• Relocation assistance beyond 50 mile radius.

Position will be cleared to Q and requires U.S. citizenship.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and a workforce that reflects our mission and national security.