Machinist

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Machinist 4 or 5 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.

Prototype Fabrication (PF) Division is seeking qualified machinists to provide machining support for the machining of components vital to the Lab's mission. PF machinists manufacture parts and assemblies by programming, setting up, and operating manual and CNC mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines.

Machinist, Level 4 ($80,400 - $127,900)

Machinists work from complex drawings, sketches, and CAD models to manufacture complex parts made from common and exotic materials with precise tolerances. The selected candidate will work in a team environment in both classified and unclassified work areas to provide fabrication services for a variety of customers both internal and external to Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Machinist, Level 5 ($87,800 - $143,000)

In addition to the duties outlined above, a Machinist Level 5 will bring expert knowledge in machining processes, CAD/CAM software, and GD&T. A machinist level 5 will also have the opportunity to mentor colleagues and lower‑level machinists.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge in the setup and operation of manual and CNC mills and lathes to produce parts with a high degree of difficulty and tight tolerances.
• Advanced knowledge in applied shop mathematics.
• Advanced knowledge in the development of machining processes, including fixturing and tooling design and selection.
• Advanced knowledge in precision measurements on parts using inspection equipment.
• Advanced application of CAD/CAM in a manufacturing environment, preferably utilizing Solidworks and Master Cam.
• Advanced knowledge of the proper application and interpretation of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to ASME Y14.5 standard.

Communication, Teamwork, and Safety

• Ability to communicate effectively and work successfully as part of a team.
• Follow guidelines for working safely in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated record of dependability, reliability, and commitment to the long‑term needs of the job duties and programmatic goals of the organization.

In addition to the skills listed above, Level 5 candidates must also meet the following requirements:

• Expert level knowledge in the development of machining processes, including fixturing and tooling design and selection.
• Expert application of CAD/CAM in a manufacturing environment, preferably utilizing Solidworks and Master Cam.
• Expert knowledge of the proper application and interpretation of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to ASME Y14.5 standard.

Education/Experience (Level
4): Associate degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program AND 6 years of experience OR 8 years prototype experience OR Journeyperson qualification program AND 6 years of experience.

Education/Experience (Level
5): Associate degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program AND 10 years of experience OR 12 years prototype experience OR Journeyperson qualification program AND 10 years of experience.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Wire EDM setup and operation.
• Demonstrated experience working with engineers to optimize product design in support of manufacturability.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and supervising machinists.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with documented approval of the Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with the same nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award‑winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annually.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages outside a 50 mile radius.

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 – Employment requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating eligibility under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Note that this requirement applies only to U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q

Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship except in extreme…