FIB​/Coatings Technologist (Research Technologist 1​/2

What You Will Do

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

Salary range: $87,800 – $143,000.

The Engineered Materials Group (MST-7) is seeking outstanding candidates with strong practical backgrounds in electron microscopy, specifically dual‑beam focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscope (SEM) systems. The successful candidate will work independently and lead development of FIB techniques to enable micro‑machining of novel inertial confinement fusion (ICF) capsules. This work will integrate with related target fabrication activities to produce viable test pieces for large science campaigns.

The candidate will also perform tasks related to the deposition and characterization of thin films and coatings. Regular dissemination of results (laboratory notebooks, internal reports, peer‑reviewed papers, conference presentations) will be essential for success.

Salary range: $96,600 – $158,000.

In addition to the responsibilities described for Technologist 1, this level includes oversight of routine maintenance and upkeep of the FIB/SEM system. Applicants should be comfortable designing and implementing solutions to mechanical problems based on requirements or technical specifications (e.g., translating a technical drawing from conceptual sketch to real part, even if required manufacturing techniques or fixturing is undeveloped).

• B.S. from an accredited institution and 2+ years of relevant work experience, or an M.S. from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the job; a degree in a STEM field is preferable.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard principles, concepts and techniques in dual‑beam FIB/SEM systems.
• Experience preparing samples for electron microscopy.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and related skills.
• Demonstrated communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance.
• Please provide a brief cover letter describing how you meet each of the Minimum Job Requirements and optionally the Desired Qualifications below.

• B.S. from an accredited institution and 5+ years of relevant work experience, or an M.S. from an accredited institution and 2+ years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the job; a degree in a STEM field is preferable.
• Ability to design and implement manufacturing solutions based on technical or customer requirements.
• Ability to perform oversight of routine maintenance and upkeep of the FIB/SEM system.

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Candidates who meet the degree requirement but do not meet the two‑year experience requirement are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Degree from an accredited institution in a STEM field.
• Experience designing and/or running unique experimental equipment.
• Familiarity with technical drafting or computer aided design (CAD).
• Experience with deposition of thin films or coatings, especially physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques.
• Experience with characterization of thin films and coatings.
• Experience with assembly or maintenance of vacuum systems, coating systems, and/or electron microscopes.
• Active DOE Q clearance.

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

Regular appointment…