Research Technician

What You Will Do

Sigma-1 is seeking several research technicians to join the team to assist with research projects related to materials manufacturing. Based on a candidate’s qualifications and interests, a technician will join one of five teams:
Thermomechanical Processing Science, Ceramic Processing Sciences, Foundry and Solidification Science, Material Assessment and Compatibility, and Machining and Inspection. A brief overview of each team is outlined below.

• Thermomechanical Processing Science: We focus on changing the shape and/or properties of metal parts and design solutions to meet clients’ challenges in manufacturing.
• Ceramics Processing Sciences: The team specializes in materials synthesis and processing for metal and ceramic powders, enabling high‑melting‑point materials such as tungsten, molybdenum and zirconium, as well as oxides, carbides, nitrides and borides.
• Foundry and Solidification Science: The team specializes in radiological casting for prototype component manufacture and supports boutique alloy and casting process development.
• Material Assessment and Compatibility: Enhances understanding of interactions among materials and with their service environment, specializing in corrosion and aging processes in complex systems.
• Machining and Inspection: Performs prototype machining of metallic and non‑metallic materials and conducts dimensional inspection using manual and automated methods.

Across Sigma-1, we support a wide variety of programs with an emphasis on creative solutions to meet customers’ needs. The successful candidate will be able to work effectively on independent projects and as part of a team to assist on projects. The role includes hands‑on work in a research and development industrial setting.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Hands‑on experience in an industrial or research environment.
• Experience performing work from technical drawings, specifications, or work instructions and developing specifications for a project and verifying that the end product meets expectations and requirements.
• Experience contributing to the development of techniques using advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts.
• Experience completing technical work using innovative and effective methods of execution.
• Advanced knowledge of specialized technical or equipment work, such as radiological materials handling, materials characterization, vacuum systems, pressure systems, mechanical systems, and data acquisition.
• Experience participating in pre‑job and post‑job briefings to improve processes, safety, security, etc.
• Experience leading reviews and activities of other more junior technicians.
• Experience supporting cross‑team collaborations to accomplish work scope.
• Advanced experience and/or specialized training working in a hazardous environment.
• Ability to maintain training and active qualifications.
• Ability to communicate oral and written ideas with others.
• Experience with Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Advanced experience and/or specialized training in a technical field.

Education/

Experience:

Position requires an Associate’s Degree and seven years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Formal training in one of the technical areas listed above.
• Experience leading the execution of work and supporting production processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain equipment.
• Experience with LANL‑specific policies and procedures.
• Experience working in hazardous environments.
• Active Q clearance.

Work Location: The position is located onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position Commitment: Regular appointment employees must serve a continuous period of service in their current position to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. This position requires a one‑year commitment.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national…