Space Instrument Development and Fabrication Technician (Development and Fabrication Tec 3​/4

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Development and Fabrication Technician 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 a Development and Fabrication Technician 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 X-ray and Particle Sensor (XAPS) 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 XAPS project is a fast-moving, team-oriented environment that balances production of current-generation treaty verification hardware with research and development of future designs.

On any given day, you may be called to:

• Assemble, test, and modify electrical and mechanical components, assemblies, and systems that include specialized functions.
• Procure mechanical fabricated parts and other assembly related components for instrument development and assembly.
• Interpret part and assembly design drawings and ability to perform inspections using hand inspection tools as well as Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM's).
• Generate design, assembly, and test documentation as appropriate and perform in-process inspection to assure product quality.
• Collaborate with team members to identify problems and implement solutions.
• Utilize inspection support equipment during R&D and production efforts for requirements verification.
• Participate as a contributing Integration & Test team member, open to being mentored and developing technical skillsets.
• Embrace safety and security policies, programs, procedures, and practices. Make safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security.
• Promote a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
• Perform field troubleshooting on systems and test equipment using detailed drawings, manuals, and written instructions.

Apply technical knowledge to propose solutions to complex design challenges. This includes interpreting design drawings and acting as a liaison between the project and its partner groups. Candidates should be comfortable working with mechanical and electrical systems such as standard laboratory and shop equipment, vacuum and pressure systems, measurement machines, mechanical tooling, and fixtures. This position may design 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 in addition to independently developing work plans, leading and reviewing other employees' work, and mentoring junior staff. The position may assist in leading instrument integration, performing verification testing, and managing delivery and integration to external customers. At this level, the role will have regular contact with the broader project team including other technicians, scientists, and engineers, as well as external partners.

At this level, candidates should display advanced knowledge of a wide range of mechanical tools, materials, and systems.

Demonstrated ability to identify problems and generate solutions. Ability to absorb large volumes of information from a variety of sources and synthesize it into key elements and requirements. Strong attention to detail. Ability to understand and navigate internal and Laboratory policies and processes.

Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with teams of diverse…