Space Instrument Research Technologist

Position: Space Instrument Research Technologist 1/2
** What You Will Do*
* ** This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.*
* ** The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) division is seeking a Space Instrument Research Technologist to join our collaborative and dynamic team! As a leader in space research for over sixty years, ISR Division designs, builds, delivers, and exploits innovative ground- and space-based measurement systems. Our projects range from cutting edge scientific explorations expanding our knowledge of the universe, to ensuring national and global security.

ISR is a multidisciplinary organization working across government and commercial sectors to lead experiments for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and other notable agencies. Efforts include direct involvement in imperative missions such as the Curiosity & Perseverance Mars rovers, Van Allen Probes, IBEX, as well as the upcoming IMAP, NACHOS, and BeamPIE projects.*
* ** The Space Instrument Realization Group (ISR-5) provides technical expertise to develop, build and deploy these advanced measurement systems into space. ISR-5 is comprised of mechanical and electrical engineers,  technicians, and technologists. All members engage within interdisciplinary, high-performance project teams that span from conceptual development to system deployment and mission execution. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, self-motivated, and proficient multi-tasker with a strong desire and capacity to learn and work across disciplines.

This role will directly support the prototyping, testing, manufacturing, and deployment of innovative space satellite instruments to support a variety of scientific and national security missions.*
* ** This role will support the X-ray and Particle Sensing (XAPS) project. XAPS instruments measure x-rays and energetic charged particles as part of the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) program. The XAPS project provides capabilities to produce actionable information for a broad range of national security stakeholders, and its execution spans all groups of ISR Division as well as other Divisions and external partners.

The XAPS team is presently conducting a multi-year production run of multiple flight instruments. We are seeking a technologist who will provide day-to-day calibration support for these instruments and maintain our calibration facility.*
* ** On a typical day, you will do one or more of the following:*
* + Execute calibration operations on flight hardware in accordance with defined production schedules and milestones.

+ Operate commercial and custom-built x-ray calibration systems using standard laboratory equipment.

+ Produce timely, detailed calibration and test reports aligned with production flow.

+ Coordinate with engineers, scientists, technicians, and project leadership to maintain production momentum.

+ Identify and resolve technical or facility issues quickly to minimize schedule impact.

+ Maintain calibration facilities, equipment readiness, and configuration control.

+ Perform all work safely and securely in accordance with LANL policies and procedures.

+ Develop a strong technical understanding of assigned flight instruments to enable efficient troubleshooting.

+ Lead laboratory refurbishment, maintenance, and readiness activities to support uninterrupted production.

+ Maintain and modify C# software used for laboratory automation to improve efficiency and repeatability.

+ Apply analog electronics skills to diagnose and resolve instrument issues.

+ Analyze and interpret experimental data to author final reports and present results.

+ Participate in R&D activities without compromising ongoing production commitments.

** Research Technologist 1 ($87,800 - $143,000)*
* ** duties include, though are not limited to the following:*
* ** Apply best practices in engineering, math, and science to solve challenging technical problems in broad areas of research and development. This role is responsible for assigned activities in support of facilities, design, operation, maintenance, project- and/or research-based engineering, and performing work within a strong safety and security program. 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.*
* ** Research Technologist 2 ($96,600 - $158,000)*
* ** duties include those listed above, and in addition:*
* ** Research Technologist 2 will be expected to perform the tasks above in a leadership capacity and help to mentor, lead and review the activities of other employees. A Research Technologist 2 will be expected to communicate results through internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer-reviewed journals.  They will be expected to contribute to the…