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DARHT Detection Chamber (DDC) Operator (Engineered Systems Tec 3/4)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$66,100–$103,600 Per Year
SKILLS
Acceptance Testing, Communication Skills, Control Systems, Cross-Functional, DOE Clearance, DOE-Q (Top Secret Restricted Data), Data Management, Dental Insurance, Detail Oriented, Electrical Components, Electricity, High Voltage (HV), Identify Issues, Instrumentation, Interpersonal Skills, Laboratory, Leadership, Mentoring, Operations Control, Operations Management, Operations Planning, Operations Processes, Operations Security (OPSEC), Organizational Skills, Oscilloscope, Performance Analysis, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Radiography, Regulatory Requirements, Requirements Management, Safety/Work Safety, Schematics, System Architecture, System Operations, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Engineering, Team Player, Technical Drawing, Technical Leadership, Test Equipment, Testing, Training Program, Training/Teaching, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, Vision Plan, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
4 days ago
What You Will Do

Join the DARHT Experiments and Radiographic Science (J-4) Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory and contribute to a multidisciplinary team that fields large-scale, integrated hydrodynamic weapons experiments at the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility (DARHT)-the world's premier hydrotesting facility.

The DARHT Detection Chamber (DDC) Operator is a key contributor to experiments at the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Testing (DARHT) Facility. You will operate the central control system responsible for experiment timing, firing sequences, and data acquisition that enable critical national security research. A description of the position's roles and responsibilities include the following:

  • Coordinate experiment timing and triggering with Axis I and Axis II accelerators.
  • Interface with DARHT Accelerator, Firing Site, Vessel, and Diagnostic operations.
  • Execute firing sequences following rigorous operational procedures with strict adherence to approved policies.
  • Manage critical experimental data acquisition.
  • Monitor system performance and coordinate troubleshooting efforts.
  • Operate the DDC during hydrotests and experiments at DARHT.
  • Execute operational procedures with precision and strict adherence to approved policies.
  • Complete comprehensive training program and maintain DDC Operator qualifications.
  • Ensure safe operations of DDC control, timing, and data acquisition systems.
  • Identify abnormal conditions and respond appropriately.
  • Participate in daily and weekly planning processes (Plan of the Day/Plan of the Week).
  • Maintain professional control room protocols during critical operations.
  • Meet all LANL safety, security, and training requirements.

The work environment is collaborative, meticulously choreographed, and operates under strict operational formality. This role provides a balance of regular operational tasks and dynamic technical challenges.

J Division fosters a culture rooted in mutual trust, interdependent teaming, and shared success. We value innovation, creative problem-solving, and operational excellence. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, technically rigorous data to our partners, making this role an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about impactful science and dedicated to national service.

This position will be filled at either the Engineered Systems Tec 3 or 4 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.

Engineered Systems Tec 3 ($66,100-$103,600)
As a Tec 3, you will perform the job duties listed above with team support and supervision during complex operations.

Engineered Systems Tec 4 ($72,800-$115,400)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level you will be expected to:

  • Perform more independently with minimal supervision during complex operations.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts and provide technical guidance to less experienced operators.
  • Assist in developing and refining operational procedures.
  • Mentor and train new DDC operators.
  • Participate in technical planning and system improvement initiative

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Technical Understanding: Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings. Understanding of basic electrical components, signal paths, and system architecture. Some practical hands-on technical experience (fabrication, assembly, testing, or maintenance).
  • Technical Background: Experience working with electronic systems in an operational, testing, or troubleshooting capacity. Familiarity with signal timing concepts, triggers, delays, and control systems.
  • Operational Discipline: Demonstrated experience working within defined requirements, regulations, and formal procedures. Ability to follow detailed technical procedures precisely with strong attention to detail. Experience in structured operational environments with emphasis on safety and quality. Understanding of safety-conscious work practices.
  • Collaboration Skills: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams (Tecs, engineers, scientists, operations). Capable of working independently and collaboratively during complex operations. Comfort interacting with all organizational levels. Ability to maintain focus during time-critical operations.
  • Communication: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Clearance: Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance, which usually requires U.S. citizenship, and Sigma 15.

Additional Job Requirements for Engineered Systems Tec 4:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

  • Advanced Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency with electronic test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, delay generators, time-interval meters). Working knowledge of signal types, timing systems, and cable characteristics. Experience troubleshooting complex technical systems with minimal supervision.
  • Leadership & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to train and mentor junior Tecs. Experience leading technical activities in operational environments.
  • Advanced Operational Experience: Background in environments requiring Operational Formality (Conduct of Operations, Conduct of Maintenance). Proven track record of working independently in high-stakes operational settings.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position require an Associates' Degree in a related field and a minimum of 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position require an Associates' Degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, additional training and/or certification may be expected.


Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with electronic test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, delay generators, time-interval meters).
  • Knowledge of signal types, timing systems, or cable characteristics.
  • Experience in environments requiring Operational Formality (Conduct of Operations, Conduct of Maintenance).
  • Background in instrumentation, controls, data acquisition, or timing systems.
  • Experience with high-voltage systems or interlock systems.
  • Basic understanding of how hydrotests support the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile.
  • Active Q clearance.

Work Schedule: This position is full time, on-site. 5/8s or 9/80 work schedule.

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:

For full consideration, submit a resume and detailed cover letter addressing the required and desired qualifications outlined above.

The position is 100% on-site.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

About the Company

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Los Alamos National Laboratory