High Explosives R&D Pressing Technologist 1/2

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 $83,900 - $136,600

The 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 technologist to produce consolidated high explosive parts for various dynamic experiments and mechanical testing, which are critical components of high explosive research. This will require working closely with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technologists, and technicians on projects and programs for both internal and external customers. Effective interpersonal communication and teamwork are important elements of this work environment, as is a commitment to LANL's safety and security culture. General duties for the position include die-pressing energetic materials using either a servo or hydraulic press, troubleshooting the process so parameters are met, understanding the mechanics of pressing high explosives and becoming a subject matter expert on the process. The requirements that the successful candidate will be working to are strict and detailed, and are directed by the experimenter. As such, a high attention to detail is paramount. If you are curious, questioning, and have an exceptional attention to detail, we encourage you to consider this job.

Selected candidates will

• Develop new methods for pressing energetic materials, under consultative direction from pressing lead.

• Work with explosives, chemicals, pressurized systems, electrical equipment, and hand tools.

• Die-press energetic materials using either a pneumatic or hydraulic press, to include analyzing and/or troubleshooting the process so required parameters are met.

• Assist in set-up of various types of diagnostics and recording equipment including remote camera equipment, die measurements, surface tracking methodologies, and pressure sensing software.

• Provide guidance, as required, to support other colleagues who may be assisting with research.

• Work on several projects concurrently within a multidisciplinary environment.

• Work independently with minimal supervision, with extensive collaboration as part of a team.

• Communicate results through written experimental procedures, internal reports, progress reports to sponsors or team.

• Participate in hazard analyses and assist in preparation of safety documents and work procedures.

Research Technologist 2 $92,300 - $151,000

In addition to what was outlined for Research Technologist 1, the Research Technologist 2 will:

• Provide continuous contribution to the development of new techniques and the fulfillment of broad research and production goals.

• Lead the specification design and setup of new pressing requests and measurements in collaboration with engineers and scientists.

• Act as lead, reviewing activities of other personnel, and ensure materials, processes and final product meet quality specifications and are completed according to established requirements.

• Develop specifications for new pressing-related analyses, diagnostics and techniques.

• Oversee work of students and non-expert staff and verify that the final product meets expectations and requirements.

• Prepare research documentation and provide peer-review of documentation from other members of the team.

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

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Ability to resolve technical challenges of moderately complex scope requiring review of a variety of factors. Interest in becoming an expert in pressing and sharing expertise with mentees and group.

• The ability to follow procedures, stay organized, and work safely in potentially hazardous environments.

• Excellent scheduling capabilities and work ethic to complete jobs in requested time frames and under correct parameters.

• Willingness to learn and practice the safe handling of explosive materials in a rigorous safety environment, along with the ability to manage complex and co-located hazards.

• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment as well as the ability to work independently, with initiative to plan, implement and successfully complete complex long-term projects.

• Strong communication skills.

Applicants MUST attach a resume and cover letter detailing how they meet all of the above minimum job requirements.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2:

• Demonstrated expertise in designing, planning, and executing complex laboratory experiments.

• Ability to resolve technical challenges of moderate-to-high complexity.

• Experience mentoring and/or training students and junior staff members.

• Prior experience developing process specifications and the production of written products including procedures and technical reports.

Education/Experience:

Research Technologist 1 Education/Experience : Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Research Technologist 2 Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Active DOE security Clearance (Q).

• Experience working with pressing explosives or polymers.

• Experience in mechanical pressing, tool and die, or machining.

• Ability to understand and prepare compliance documents or maintenance procedures

• Experience with instrument troubleshooting and repair

• Experience in the handling, or mixing of energetic materials and formulations

• Experience with common physics laboratory instruments such as balances, pressure sensors, or imaging

• Hands-on experience with design and fabrication of parts by utilization of software or standard machine tools

• Experience with Solid-works or other CAD-type software for designing die sets.

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis software to address safety constraints in CAD drawings.

• High Explosive Handler

• STEM degrees preferred

Work Environment:

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

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants: Interested applicants are required to apply online and upload a cover letter and resume. To be considered, the cover letter must address the candidate's experience and provide specific details on all the job requirements and desired qualifications.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

§ Dental and vision insurance

§ Free basic life and disability insurance

§ Paid childbirth and parental leave

§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs

§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (~~~) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 (~~~) for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 (~~~) for applicant eligibility requirements .

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to ~~~ or call ~~~ option 2 and then option 3.