Sigma-1 Materials Processing and Compatibility Research Technologist

Position: Sigma-1 Materials Processing and Compatibility Research Technologist 1/2
** What You Will Do*
* ** This position is open for external candidates only to apply.*
* ** This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills/experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.*
* Sigma-1 is seeking qualified applicants for a Research Technologist position. The Sigma Complex is a unique prototyping and fabrication facility that specializes in providing material, components, and manufacturing science to the Los Alamos experimental programs. The experimental mission spans the US nuclear weapons program, DOW, work with universities, Intelligence Agencies and many other customers. As part of this mission, Sigma Division works with a broad range of materials that spans metal alloy, ceramic, and composite materials containing elements from hydrogen to beryllium to uranium, with a strong emphasis on unconventional materials.

The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative team environment, interfacing routinely with other Sigma Division staff as well as deployed personnel (Industrial Hygiene, Health Physics, Shipping, Facility Operations) to complete program objectives. You will work with several different pressure/vacuum/gas systems, including using existing systems to conduct experiments and designing new systems to meet specific experimental objectives. Daily operations will require understanding and application of pressure and vacuum system technology, mechanical design/CAD and construction, machining, experimental control and data acquisition, analytical techniques and instrumentation, surface chemistry, and chemical kinetics.

You will communicate results through oral and written reports to a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technicians, and technologists. Organization skills and working in a team-based environment are required to achieve these goals.

** Research Technologist 1 $ 87,800 - $143,000*
* Research Technologist 1 will be responsible for:

+ Design, construction, testing, and operation of vacuum/pressure/gas/furnace/hot-press systems and equipment.

+ Preparation, processing, analysis and mechanical testing of polymers, plastics and polymer composite oxides

+   Design and assembly of fixtures and equipment; preparation of engineering drawings using CAD software; interfacing with machine shops

You will apply the scientific method to address technical problems, operate and troubleshoot commercial off the shelf and custom equipment, including glove boxes, furnace, hot-presses and analyze data from experiments in the context of the underlying scientific principles or models. You will interface directly with staff scientists in carrying out collaborative work and communication of results, both verbally and in writing.

** Research Technologist 2 $ 96,600 - $158,000*
* In addition to Research Technologist 1 responsibilities, Research Technologist 2 will be periodically responsible for oversight of technologists, technicians, and/or students. You will analyze experimental data and perform tasks to maintain high quality experiments, data collection, and archiving.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* + Experience in polymers/oxides/hydrides/polymer composites preparation, processing, testing and analysis

+ Basic chemistry/chemical engineering/materials processing knowledge and skills.

+   

Experience with pressure systems/electrical systems/furnaces/hot-presses/vacuum systems.

+   Willingness to learn, maintain and operate commercial off-the-shelf and custom built analytical instrumentation.

+   Motivated to be a self-guided learner of new techniques under the supervision of more experienced personnel.

+   Willingness to work with radioactive materials and other hazardous materials, chemicals and solvents in a rigorous safety environment.

+   Ability to acquire a Q-clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.

** Research Technologist 2:*
* In addition to what was outlined above, additional requirements for the Research Technologist 2 level include the following:

+ Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience…