Decontamination Operations Technologist​/Firing Site Lead; Engineering Technologist

What You Will Do

Engineering Technologist 2 or 3 (depending on skills) in the Integrated Weapons Experiments Division, Dynamic Structure Design, Engineering, and Vessel Operations (J‑2) Group will support the Stockpile Modernization mission for the Hydrodynamic and Subcritical Experiment Execution Support (HSEES) Program by working with the vessel operations team on fielding, restoration, and decontamination of confinement vessels. The role involves fielding explosives for hydrodynamic testing, disassembly, decontamination, vessel repair, and inspection following detailed drawings and procedures.

The position is in Los Alamos, NM, with occasional travel to the Nevada National Security Site in Las Vegas, NV. Teamwork, collaboration with engineers, technicians, drafters, designers, and program management are essential.

As a Decontamination Ops/Firing Site Lead, the candidate will assist in confinement vessel cleanout operations under a senior Technologist and work to gain proficiency in vessel cleanout, decontamination, and other vessel tasks.

In addition to Level 2 responsibilities, the Level 3 Decontamination Ops/Firing Site Lead will serve as the point of contact for firing operations for individual tests, preparing all required documents, approvals, and authorizations.

• Operate and maintain programmatic equipment such as specialized HEPA vacuum systems, media blast systems, and glovebox‑style decontamination systems
• Perform material recovery, waste characterization, and waste packaging
• Conduct crane, hoisting, and rigging operations
• Operate forklifts and other heavy equipment
• Support operations at explosive firing sites
• Successfully complete facility‑specific and programmatic training
• Adhere to Formality of Operations principles, including Conduct of Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Training
• Work occasional overtime as required to support mission needs
• Obtain a DOE Q Clearance

• Experience in hazardous operations including radiological and beryllium contamination areas, high explosives, confined space, and understanding of decontamination methods and engineering controls
• Experience with hand tools, machining processes, specialized equipment such as glovebox enclosures, HEPA ventilation systems, and personal protection equipment such as air‑purifying or supplied‑air systems
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical lifting operations; qualified crane, forklift, manlift, and jack‑and‑roll processes
• Demonstrated experience in data collection, formal record keeping
• Demonstrated experience utilizing written procedures with no supervision, including attention to detail, documenting assembly packages, change control, inventory, and working under formal conduct of operations
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills and the ability to prioritize workloads to meet deliverables, investigating alternative solutions and recommending solutions
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers, including scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel

Engineering Technologist 2: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related field and 5 years of directly related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Engineering Technologist 3: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related field from an accredited institution and 8 years of directly related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of weapon systems and understanding of post‑execution hazards with confinement systems
• Experience in development of critical lift plans, ordinary lift plans, and material handling plans
• Qualified or certified LANL HE Handler
• Qualification, certification, or experience as Firing Site Lead
• Experience with high‑hazard/complex operations requiring all levels of PPE use
• DOE Q Clearance