Special Materials Machinist

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is the nation's premier plutonium center of excellence. At LANL, we ensure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile while advancing research in national security, space exploration, geophysics, renewable energy, supercomputing, medicine, and nanotechnology. Our advanced nuclear facility emphasizes precision machining and strict adherence to industry standards in a high‑tech manufacturing environment.

The Pit Technologies (PT) Division, part of the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP), is instrumental in delivering top‑quality plutonium pit‑related products and services. As a Special Materials Machinist 3 or 4 in the PT‑2 Machining Group, you will manufacture prototype and production parts from specialized materials such as plutonium, uranium, beryllium, and high explosives. These hazardous materials require precision machining in glove boxes or specially controlled environments with strict safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.

Assignments may range from routine tasks to original problem‑solving efforts depending on level. Machinist 3s focus on execution under defined parameters, while Machinist 4s often take the lead in project development, technical feedback, and mentoring. You will collaborate with requestors to ensure manufacturability while meeting tight tolerances and material specifications.

Physical activity and PPE usage in dynamic environments are required. Comfortable working with protective gear (hearing protection, respirators, etc.) and traveling between work areas on foot, shuttle, or vehicle is essential. Effective communication is critical for documenting processes and collaborating across teams.

We are seeking a highly skilled machinist with expertise in both manual and CNC machining, capable of manufacturing complex parts to tight tolerances. The ideal candidate will be proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting CAD models and G&M code, and using precision measuring tools and shop mathematics. Experience with hand tools, CAD/CAM creation, and safe operation of machinery is essential. Strong analytical skills are required, including the ability to follow established procedures, troubleshoot machining issues, and contribute to process improvements.

This role involves regular collaboration with engineers and technicians, as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Candidates should have experience handling hazardous materials in glovebox environments or similarly controlled settings. Compliance with safety certifications, HRP enrollment, and security clearance requirements are mandatory.

In addition to the core requirements, qualification at the higher level requires expert‑level proficiency in advanced machining practices, particularly involving specialized materials under strict safety standards. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to evaluate part designs for manufacturability, cost‑efficiency, and scheduling feasibility. A deep understanding of engineering principles, material properties, and tolerance analysis is essential. This role also demands proven leadership, including mentoring and training less experienced machinists, and taking a lead role in machining projects to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards.

Strong project management skills are required, with the ability to coordinate with stakeholders to meet technical and scheduling requirements. The candidate must lead, by example, in both safety practices and continuous improvement initiatives, actively contributing to process enhancements for greater efficiency and quality.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, following established procedures for machining precision parts.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance and maintain active enrollment in the Human Reliability Program (HRP).
• Fully proficient knowledge of…