Materials Research Technician; Research Tec

What You Will Do

The Nuclear Material Science Group (MST-16) is seeking Research Technicians to support plutonium and other actinide materials science research. In this role you will provide support in one or more of the following areas: metallography, electron microscopy, materials characterization, materials synthesis and processing, materials properties measurements, and dynamic testing. Your day‑to‑day work will focus on small‑scale sample preparation, operating and maintaining equipment, executing experiments, and other activities supporting MST‑16 programs.

If you are detail‑oriented, this is an opportunity to learn established procedures, processes, and requirements to perform complex work in a unique environment on materials with a strong national security impact.

• Prepare and process small‑scale samples for materials science analysis.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical equipment, including electron microscopes and metallographic equipment.
• Assist in dynamic testing and materials property measurements.
• Support laboratory operations by performing routine glove‑box activities and maintaining vacuum, gas, and pressure systems.
• Execute experiments and record data in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Collaborate with team members and management to accomplish common goals.

• Hands‑on experience with hand and power tools.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks thoroughly and to a high level of detail with limited supervision.
• Quick learner capable of adapting to changing environments.
• Team‑oriented, effective communicator with peers and management.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, and laboratory requirements.
• Basic computer knowledge and experience with laboratory software.
• Willingness to follow safety and security procedures.
• U.S. citizenship required to obtain Q‑clearance.
• Human Reliability Program (HRP) certification.

Salary range: $64,700 – $101,400.

• Associate’s Degree and 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
• All requirements listed under Minimum Job Requirements.

Salary range: $71,200 – $112,900.

• Associate’s Degree and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
• Knowledge or experience in metallography, electron microscopy, materials characterization, materials processing and property measurements, mechanical and dynamic testing, and/or maintenance of scientific equipment.
• Ability to work independently, initiate work, and perform non‑routine tasks exercising independent judgment.

• Experience operating analytical equipment.
• Experience operating machining equipment.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting vacuum, gas, and pressure systems in a research environment.
• Experience performing or supporting scientific experiments.
• Experience with small‑sample preparation and analysis for materials science.
• Experience in a nuclear or radiological facility, including routine glove‑box activities with radioactive materials.

A current CV or resume that includes educational background, work experience, and degree dates is required. Degrees in a STEM field beyond the minimum requirement count toward years of related experience. References will not be contacted without applicant permission.

Citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Peripheral vision, depth perception, reading vision and distance vision (corrected), hearing within the normal range (500 to 3000 Hz), standing, walking, and lifting 20–30 pounds.

Work near sources of ionizing radiation, work with explosives, use of PPE…