Technician - Detection Physics

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

The Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within NSD, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them. Our researchers deliver the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.

The Detection Physics (DP) group focuses on the development of detection systems and data analysis techniques for a variety of missions ranging from fundamental physics to national security. Projects within the research group range from highly applied projects in support of international treaties and national security to fundamental science projects in the areas of dark matter detection and neutrino physics.

The DP group is seeking qualified candidates to join our team in supporting technicians, scientists, and engineers throughout the research and development (R&D) process, including design and fabrication, testing, and laboratory operations. This position supports a broad range of technical activities and requires experience or familiarity in several of the following areas:

• Supporting cleanroom operations.
• Assisting with the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of cryogenic, gas processing, vacuum, chemical, and industrial systems.
• Participating in systems assembly, design, testing, operation, and oversight to support research and development activities.
• Operating hand tools, electronic test equipment, data acquisition systems, and radiation detection equipment to support testing and laboratory operations.
• Performing work safely in challenging environments, including radiological, cleanroom, chemical, and hazardous settings.

Successful candidates must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. They will be expected to take ownership of tasking, laboratory spaces, and the design, assembly, and operation of equipment and systems.

This position is located in Richland, WA and requires an on-site in-lab presence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 2 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating in and supporting work within regulated cleanroom environment.
• Experience with maintenance and operation of radiation detectors.
• Experience with gas/chemical/industrial systems.
• Ability to perform hands‑on work in a laboratory or technical setting.
• Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to interpret and ensure adherence to strict protocols, procedures, and quality standards.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Laboratory work with vacuum systems, pressurized gases, cryogenics, electronics, clean rooms, radiation sources, and control/measurement systems.

Routine lifting of heavy items, gowning and movement in a clean room environment, and standing for long periods of time.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment,…