Space Hardware Engineering Technologist

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Engineering Technologist 3 or 4 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 ISR‑5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks an Engineering Technologist to join our Integration and Test (I&T) team. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and creative problem‑solver, able to 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 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.

This position will support the Electromagnetic Pulse Sensor (EMP) project team in the Space‑based Nuclear Detonation Detection (SNDD) program by developing, designing, and fabricating parts, fixtures, and assemblies used in hardware critical to national security. The EMP project is a fast‑moving, team‑oriented environment that balances production of current‑generation treaty verification hardware with research and development of future designs. This position will be a critical member of a high‑functioning team of technicians, engineers, and scientists.

The role interacts regularly with project, government, and commercial partners and is often the first point of contact for hardware fabrication. Adherence to safety, security, and best fabrication practices is imperative for success in this position. 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:

• Assemble and test ultra‑sensitive, complex electromechanical systems
• Perform a wide variety of hands‑on work in ISR laboratories including space instrument development and testing, maintaining equipment, developing mechanical designs, reading electronic schematics, performing requirements verifications, and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, and project leaders to brainstorm and implement innovative solutions to complex and challenging technical and operational problems
• Manage classified laboratory space where space instruments are built, assembled, and tested
• Actively participate in R&D activities including the development of next‑generation sensors and electronics
• Participate in the design process for electromechanical subsystems or assemblies within the EMP instrument
• Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, computer‑aided design (CAD) and/or CAD/CAM software
• Author, execute, and troubleshoot detailed test procedures for subassemblies and integrated instrument‑level testing

Handle, build, test, and integrate sensitive electronic and mechanical assemblies. Candidates should be familiar with analog, digital, and RF circuitry, and be comfortable working with standard laboratory equipment, measurement machines, and tooling and fixtures. This position may design or contribute to the design of circuits and mechanical assemblies, develop test procedures, acquire test data, document test results, or troubleshoot custom 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.

This position will be expected to perform all the tasks above, but in a leadership capacity. This includes…