Research Technologist

What You Will Do

The Advanced Technology Group (NEN-2) conducts research, development, training and operations in the application of passive and active nuclear measurement techniques, as well as radiography. The group focuses on nuclear criticality safety, nuclear weapons, emergency response programs, and nuclear energy. NEN‑2 staff provide training in criticality safety, nuclear materials handling, and instrumentation, and collaborate with NCERC-FO and MSTS to execute experiments at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center.

• Operate, support, maintain, and troubleshoot/repair a variety of radiation detection equipment, both gamma‑ray and neutron based.
• Operate, support, maintain, and troubleshoot/repair low‑to‑high energy radiography instruments.
• Qualify as a Certified Fissile Material Handler (FMH) to perform hand‑on experimental operations with significant quantities of Special Nuclear Material (SNM).
• Qualify as FMH Person‑in‑Charge (PIC) to assume first‑line supervisory responsibility for hand‑on experimental operations with significant quantities of SNM.
• Support NEN‑2 scientists/engineers and trainees in conducting experiments or training at LANL and/or NCERC.
• Mentor and lead other technologists, technicians and personnel in safe work execution.
• Maintain, design, and build instrumentation and equipment for use in radiation detection or radiography.
• Learn and develop subject‑matter expertise in at least one core technique or technology related to radiation measurements, radiography, or nuclear criticality safety.
• Sustain and improve work authorization and execution for NEN‑2 operations.

• Demonstrated experience with radiation detection instrumentation or radiography instruments, including installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, or analysis of experimental data.
• Demonstrated experience with hands‑on technical work (hand tools, machining, fabrication, electronics, computer networking).
• Demonstrated experience organizing technical work (coordination with other entities, purchasing, shipping, equipment, labs, schedules).
• Ability to formulate and implement innovative approaches and solutions to problems.
• Experience working successfully in a high‑consequence environment that demands excellent attention to detail, conduct of operations, and safe work practices.

Education/

Experience:

Position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Experience with more than one major radiation detection or radiography technique.
• Experience teaching, especially to audiences with varied backgrounds.
• Fissile material handling experience.
• Strong computer skills (data acquisition, experiment control, programming, data management).
• Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic‑research and mission‑science programs.
• An active DOE Q clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Human Reliability Program certification.

Description:

Climbing stairs, walking, lifting 20‑30 pounds, ability to wear personal protective equipment, including a full‑face respirator or Powered Air‑Purifying Respirator (PAPR). Works in environments with controlled radiation exposure, ambient temperature variations, noise, electrical power supplies, machinery with moving parts, and potential for domestic travel to NCERC.

Work is conducted in areas controlled for radioactive contamination and/or radiation exposure, includes exposure to noise, electrical power supplies, machinery with moving parts, and requires safety glasses or eye protection, hearing protection, safety shoes or protective footgear.

Onsite at the DOE‑Nevada National Security Site, North Las Vegas, NV.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a continuous period of one year in this position.

Position will be cleared to Q level. Selected applicants must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter and can obtain a Q clearance only if they are U.S. citizens, except in…