Space Instrument Mechanical Technician; Development and Fabrication Technician

Position: Space Instrument Mechanical Technician (Development and Fabrication Technician 3/4)
** What You Will Do*
* The ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks a Development and Fabrication Technician to join our Mechanical Fabrication and Assembly Team. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and creative problem-solver motivated to design and build a wide range of complex electromechanical instruments and systems. ISR-5 provides engineering and technical expertise to develop and deploy high-quality space- and ground-based innovative measurement systems for national security and basic space science applications.

The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory has been designing, building, and operating highly innovative ground, air and space-based measurement and detection systems for 60 years. Our work includes space-based measurement systems for verification of international nuclear treaties, basic scientific missions, nuclear nonproliferation, space situational awareness, and remote sensing. In addition, we lead experiments on NASA missions, including the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars Rovers, Van Allen Probes, IMAP, and IBEX.

The successful candidate will develop, design, and fabricate parts, fixtures, and assemblies used in a wide range of satellite hardware and ground support equipment. This position will be a critical member of a highly functioning team of technicians, engineers, and scientists that interact regularly with government organizations and commercial partners. Adherence to safety, security, and best fabrication practices is imperative for success in this position.

The successful candidate is expected to make safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security. The ideal candidate will differentiate themselves through enthusiasm, a passion for space, and a strong collaborative mindset.

On any given day, you may be called to:

+ Fabricate mechanical components and fixtures with CNC machines, mills, lathes,  laser etchers, 3D printers, and other shop equipment.

+ Author and execute detailed test procedures for complex subassemblies and integrated instrument-level testing.

+ Assist with technical research and gather data needed for engineering analysis.

+ Assist in design and development of new products, systems, and fabrication processes.

+ Review engineering drawings for accuracy, completeness, and format suitability.

+ Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) and/or CAD/CAM software.

+ Help diagnose anomalies, failures, or malfunctions, replace defective components, and perform basic troubleshooting using drawings, manuals, and written instructions.

** Development and Fabrication Technician 3 ($66,100 - $103,600)
** duties include, though are not limited to the following:

Apply technical knowledge to propose solutions to complex design challenges. This includes interpreting design drawings and acting as a liaison between the machine shop and our partner groups. Candidates should be comfortable working with both mechanical and electrical systems including standard machine ship equipment, vacuum and pressure systems, measurement machines, and tooling and fixtures, and with analog, digital, and RF circuitry.

This position may design simple circuits and mechanical assemblies, develop test procedures, acquire test data, and document test results, and troubleshoot custom circuits, assemblies, and systems. 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.

** Development and Fabrication Technician 4 ($72,800 - $115,400)
** duties include those listed above, and in addition:

This position will be expected to perform all the tasks above, but in a leadership capacity. This includes independently developing work plans, leading and reviewing other employees' work, and mentoring junior staff. They may lead instrument integration for project teams, perform verification testing, and manage delivery and integration to external customers. At this level, the role will have regular contact with broad project teams including scientists, engineers, personnel outside of ISR, and external engineering agencies.

In addition, they will display advanced knowledge of a wide range of electrical and mechanical tools, materials, and systems.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* ** Problem Solving*
* Demonstrated ability to identify problems and generate solutions; ability to absorb large volumes of information from a variety of sources and synthesize it into key elements and requirements; strong attention to detail. Ability to understand and navigate internal and Laboratory policies and processes.

** Communication & Teaming*
* Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with teams of diverse technical backgrounds. This position will integrate with diverse teams to develop and apply innovative…