Space Instrument Development and Fabrication Technician (Development and Fabrication Tec 2/3)

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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. Candidates hired at the Technician 3 level will be expected to perform all the tasks above, and additionally, the design of simple circuits and test fixtures, developing testing plans to generate/acquire test data requiring moderately complex measurements, interpret and document test results and perform troubleshooting of average complexity custom circuits, assemblies, and systems.

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Development and Fabrication Technician 2 or 3 level, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks an electronics Technician to join our Integration and Test (I&T) team. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and creative problem-solver, able to apply knowledge of electronics operation, measurement, and design to the testing and calibration of a wide range of complex modules and instruments. ISR-5 provides engineering and technical expertise to develop and deploy high-quality space-based measurement systems for national security and space science applications.

The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory has been designing, building, and operating highly innovative ground, air and space-based measurement and detection systems for more than 60 years. Our work includes space-based measurement systems for verification of international nuclear treaties, basic scientific missions, nuclear nonproliferation, space situational awareness, and remote sensing. In addition, we lead experiments on NASA missions, including the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars Rovers, Van Allen Probes, IMAP, and IBEX.

This position will support the X-ray and Particle Sensor (XAPS) project team in the Space-based Nuclear Detonation Detection (SNDD) program by assembling, testing, and verifying the performance of electronic assemblies used in space-flight instruments critical to national security. The XAPS project is a fast-moving, team-oriented environment that balances production of current-generation treaty verification hardware with research and development of future designs. The person chosen for this position will be a critical member of a high-functioning team of technicians, engineers, and scientists. Adherence to safety, security, and best practices for electronics handling, testing, and operating is imperative for success in this position. The ideal candidate will differentiate themselves through enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a strong collaborative mindset.

On any given day, you may be called to:

• Interpret electrical schematics to perform calibration and testing of complex circuits at the component level
• Utilize meters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, function generators, and other custom test equipment for electronics integration & testing
• Perform basic assembly, test, and modifications of electrical and mechanical assemblies and systems
• Generate test documentation and perform in-process inspections to ensure performance and quality requirements are met
• Work together with team members to identify problems and implement solutions
• Use standard CAD systems to display and generate assembly drawings and schematics
• Solder or assemble electronic components, connectors, and wiring.
• Handle and safely use sealed radioactive sources or radiation generating equipment in controlled environments
• Demonstrate openness to being mentored, engage in continuous learning for technical skills and professional development
• Perform troubleshooting on electronics systems and test equipment using detailed drawings, manuals, and written instructions
• Embrace safety and security policies, programs, procedures, and practices, making safety and security an integral part of every task
• Promote a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment

Development and Fabrication Technician 2 ($54,900-$84,300)
Design, assemble, test, and/or modify distinctive electrical components, assemblies and systems that include specialized functions, often for unique applications. Apply technical job knowledge and propose solutions to design challenges. Includes specification of components for test assemblies, interpretation of component and assembly design drawings, and shop fabrication/assembly liaison as applicable. Testing aspects of the job include; develop and or modify test procedures, generate/acquire test data, interpret and document test results, and troubleshooting with supervision. This job also requires generating design, assembly and test documentation as appropriate and in-process inspection to ensure product quality. Electrical responsibilities include these functions applied to analog, digital, and RF circuitry.

Development and Fabrication Technician 3 ($66,100-$103,600)
Candidates hired at the Technician 3 level will be expected to perform all the tasks above, and additionally, the design of simple circuits and test fixtures, developing testing plans to generate/acquire test data requiring moderately complex measurements, interpret and document test results and perform troubleshooting of average complexity custom circuits, assemblies, and systems. Candidates at this level will use CAD schematic, analysis and simulation tools to generate documentation and to design and analyze simple circuits for testing and troubleshooting.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Problem Solving
Demonstrated ability to identify problems and generate solutions. Ability to absorb large volumes of information from a variety of sources and synthesize it into key elements and requirements. Strong attention to detail. Ability to understand and navigate programmatic, technical, and Laboratory policies and processes.

Communication & Teaming
Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with teams of diverse technical backgrounds. This position will interact with diverse teams to develop and apply innovative solutions to complex technical problems. Demonstrated written and verbal communication, active listening, interpersonal, and organizational skills are critical. Ability to learn, mentor and be mentored to complete job functions as part of a team and execute tasks independently.

Technical
Demonstrated experience handling delicate parts and instruments while performing electronic integration, calibration, and testing. Experience using electronics bench test equipment, laboratory tools, measurement equipment, and hand tools. Ability to develop alternative approaches and recommend solutions for basic technical problems. Ability to read, understand, review, and edit engineering procedures, drawings, layouts, and other related instructions.

Safety and security
Safety and security are the highest priority for executing work at Los Alamos. Candidate must have demonstrated record of commitment to safety, security, environment, and quality.

Additional Job Requirements for Development and Fabrication Technician 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

Technical
Solid foundational skills in electronics troubleshooting, testing, and verification. Demonstrated experience with a wide range of test and measurement equipment. Experience with CAD tools for basic design and simulation. Experience creating test plans and procedures.

Documentation
Verbal and written skills sufficient to capture knowledge and transfer it to others. Creation of moderately complex test procedures. Formal documentation of the configuration of components, fully integrated custom instruments, and specific laboratory test setups for verification and repeatability.

Timeliness
Experience delivering products on schedule while being involved in multiple work flows with competing priorities.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires an associate's degree and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Technical and Procedure writing experience
• Experience participating in setup and execution of research and development or scientific test campaigns
• Demonstrated experience working with and handling sensitive information
• Familiarity with environmental testing (shock, vibration, thermal, vacuum), or with equipment designed to operate in extreme environments
• Experience or interest in conducting research, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions to problems affecting electronic circuits, systems, and/or equipment

Note to Applicants:
Please provide a resume and a comprehensive cover letter that details how you meet the qualifications for this position.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half-mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground
• Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs
• Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments

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:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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.

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.