Explosives R&D Technologist — Onsite NM

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or Research Technologist 2 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.

Research Technologist 1 $ 87,800 - $143,000

High Explosive Science & Technology (Q-5) Group, serves the Laboratory and nation by providing the knowledge base in high explosives (HE) testing for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other national security areas. The group specializes in a broad array of energetic materials science including development (synthesis and formulation) and testing of novel explosives, pilot plant production of explosive materials, advanced manufacturing of explosives, analytical chemistry of explosives and explosive ingredients, thermal and mechanical characterization of neat explosives and their formulations, detonation performance testing, and special security projects.

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or Research Technologist 2 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.

Research Technologist 1 $ 87,800 - $143,000

High Explosive Science & Technology (Q-5) Group, serves the Laboratory and nation by providing the knowledge base in high explosives (HE) testing for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other national security areas. The group specializes in a broad array of energetic materials science including development (synthesis and formulation) and testing of novel explosives, pilot plant production of explosive materials, advanced manufacturing of explosives, analytical chemistry of explosives and explosive ingredients, thermal and mechanical characterization of neat explosives and their formulations, detonation performance testing, and special security projects.

Group Q-5 is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented experimentalist to work alongside a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and technologists in the development and execution of LANL mission-relevant projects involving the manufacturing and processing of high explosives and their formulations. The selected candidate will provide experimental support in a range of high explosive manufacturing operations including but not limited to: pilot plant synthesis, chemical synthesis, mixing, and formulation.

A range of analytical support may also be performed, from characterization of the fundamental ingredient properties (chemical purity, particle size, viscosity, density, surface free energy) to the final formulated product (bulk density, compositional analysis, microscopy). The ideal candidate is careful and methodical, and will prioritize the production of high quality data and material, while abiding by all required safety practices.

Research Technologist 2 $ 96,600 - $158,000

In addition to what was outlined for Research Technologist 1, at this level the candidate will assist in method development and experimental design. The candidate will also contribute to scientific reports and proposals, as well as mentor junior staff members.

This posting is under the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Engineering (ALDW).

What You Need

Minimum

Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge

Knowledge of how to use and apply scientific methods and creative problem solving with the application of fundamental chemistry, physics, materials science, and/or engineering principles.

Laboratory Experience

Demonstrated experience in chemical laboratory skills including guided synthesis, materials mixing, filtrations, and powder handling. Demonstrated experience operating standard laboratory instruments as well as mid-scale glass reactors, mixing vessels, temperature regulation equipment, and pressure systems. Established understanding of the analysis and characterization required to assess the manufactured materials.

Teamwork And Communication Skills

Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment as well as the ability to work independently, with initiative to plan, implement, and…