Research Technician

Research Technician 2/3 – Los Alamos National Laboratory

Apply for the Research Technician 2 or 3 level in the Plutonium Supply and Disposition Division within the Weapons Production Directorate (TRIAD) at LANL.

As a technician, you will work in a team environment within LANL’s nuclear facility to manufacture product, support material movement, and assist glovebox operations. The majority of daily work is “hands‑on” glovebox work in support of plutonium processing. You will perform tasks such as manufacturing operations in plutonium processing, metal processing, casting, vacuum equipment operations, welding, mechanical assembly, leak testing, equipment troubleshooting, and equipment maintenance.

You will follow Detailed Operating Procedures (DOPs) and Integrated Work Documents (IWDs), write progress reports, and maintain records. You will also handle radioactive and hazardous materials responsibly, support nuclear material accountability transactions, and work with the Human Reliability Program.

Research Technician 2:

• Salary: $53,700 – $82,500
• Tasks: manufacturing operations, welding, mechanical assembly, pressure vessel operation, clean‑room experience, and general mechanical systems knowledge.
• Responsibilities: write and maintain records, perform duties per DOPs and IWDs, conduct progress reports, interact with support organizations, and transact on the nuclear material tracking system.

Research Technician 3 (additional responsibilities):

• Salary: $64,700 – $101,400
• Collaboration:
  
  work with facility representatives to support safety and reliability of equipment/systems.
• Qualifications:
  
  Conduct of Operations, Inventory Management, Quality Assurance, robotic functionality experience, electro‑hydraulic press operation.
• Responsibilities: similar to Tech 2 plus additional nuclear material accountability transactions and further operational oversight.

• Mechanical Systems & Tools:
  Experience with mechanical systems, hand tools, power tools, instrumentation, measurement tools, welding technology, vacuum systems, industrial chemicals, PPE.
• Demonstrated Knowledge: radiography, linear accelerator use, vacuum equipment operation, pressure system operation, mechanical assembly, leak testing, equipment troubleshooting, maintenance.
• Collaboration:
  
  ability to work effectively, conscientiously and professionally in a high‑performance team environment.
• Physical Requirement: willingness to perform hands‑on work in a glovebox, wear respirator and proper PPE.
• Computer Proficiency: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Safety & Security: maintain required safety and security training and comply with all regulations.
• Integrity: promotes respectful environment free from discrimination and harassment.
• Follow Instructions: adhere to all laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance.

• Mechanical Expertise: thorough knowledge/experience with vacuum equipment, pressure system operation, welding, mechanical assembly, leak testing, troubleshooting, power tools.
• Technical
  
  Competency:
  
  Chemical synthesis, radiological materials handling, analytical procedures, materials characterization/testing, optical and laser systems, data acquisition systems, pressure systems, fiber optics, electronic imaging, solid‑state electronics, manufacturing drawings and schematics, digital test equipment, data analysis, electromagnetic shielding, non‑destructive assay techniques, high‑speed data acquisition, ultrafast timing.
• Collaboration & Analytical Ability: investigate solutions and recommend alternatives.

• Research Technician 2:
  High school diploma + 3 years related experience or equivalent.
• Research Technician 3:
  Associate degree + 3 years related experience or equivalent.

• Knowledge/experience with nuclear material.
• Experience working with classified material.
• Active DOE “Q” clearance (or equivalent).

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a continuous service period of two (2) years in their position to be eligible for posted LANL jobs.

• Due to federal restrictions,…