Research Technologist

What You Will Do

Sigma-1 is seeking several research technologists to execute engineering and scientific principles in research projects related to materials manufacturing. The candidate will join one of four teams:
Thermomechanical Processing Science, Ceramics Processing Science, Material Assessment and Compatibility, or Machining and Inspection.
Each team focuses on a distinct area of materials research and development.

• Thermomechanical Processing Science: Focuses on changing the shape and properties of metal parts, working with stakeholders to design and streamline manufacturing solutions.
• Ceramics Processing Science: Specializes in synthesis and processing of metal and ceramic powders, enabling formation of high‑melting‑point materials such as tungsten, molybdenum, zirconium, and various oxides, carbides, nitrides, and borides.
• Material Assessment and Compatibility: Studies interactions among materials, including corrosion and aging processes in complex systems.
• Machining and Inspection: Performs prototype machining, dimensional inspection, and supports product development, production, and testing activities.

The successful candidate will work effectively on independent projects and as part of a team, performing hands‑on work, data analysis, and technical reporting. Responsibilities include project execution, equipment operation and maintenance, quality assurance, mentorship of team members, and troubleshooting experimental problems.

• Demonstrated experience leading independent projects, collaborating with team members, and developing techniques to meet project goals.
• Experience operating and performing method development with the core operations of one of the four teams.
• Experience providing significant input on internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience with laboratory equipment or instrument specification, procurement, assembly, modification, maintenance, and repair.
• Experience with in a quality controlled / quality assurance framework.
• Ability to work with and mentor a diverse team of professionals, including technicians, engineers, and scientists, with effective communication skills across all levels.
• Ability to develop new techniques, leverage ingenuity and creativity, and support multiple concurrent team tasks.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot and solve instrumental and experimental problems.
• Motivation to be a self‑guided learner of new techniques under the supervision of more experienced personnel.

Position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Post‑graduate coursework may be desirable at this level.

• Experience developing and assembling mechanical systems, test assemblies, and experimental hardware.
• Experience developing and maintaining authorizing documents to perform work safely and compliantly.
• Experience performing routine maintenance of furnaces, vacuum systems, water lines, hydraulic systems, rolling mills, and related equipment, including supplies management.
• Experience operating processing equipment such as furnace systems, hydraulic presses, milling equipment, CMM, dimensional inspection equipment, chemical or gas analysis, glove boxes, etc.
• Experience working in hazardous environments.
• Experience creating solid models or engineering technical drawings.
• Active Q clearance.

Lifting 30+ pounds, standing, walking.

Work near sources of ionizing radiation, machinery with moving parts, and in a noisy environment.

Onsite at Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Regular appointment employees must serve a period of continuous service in their current position to be eligible to apply for other laboratory jobs. The required continuous service period for this position is one year.

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Basic life…