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Space Instrument Mechanical Technician (Development and Fabrication Technician 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, Analysis Skills, Best Practices, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CNC Milling Machine, Campaigns, Circuit Design, Conflict Resolution, Data Collection, Delivery Management, Dental Insurance, Detail Oriented, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Electromechanical Systems, Electromechanics, Engineering Drawing, Field Trials, Forklift, Government, Government Organizations, Hardware Administration, Housekeeping/Cleaning, IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol), Identify Issues, Interpersonal Skills, Knowledge Transfer, Laboratory, Lathe, Leadership, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Machine Tool, Machining, Mechanical Assembly, Mentoring, Multitasking, Operations Security (OPSEC), Organizational Skills, Performance Reviews, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Printers, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Process Improvement, Product Development, Project Planning, Radio Frequency, Research & Development (R&D), Research Skills, Science Software, Space Science, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical Research, Test Data, Test Design, Testing, Time Management, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, Vision Plan, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
30+ days ago
What You Will Do
The ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks a Development and Fabrication Technician to join our Mechanical Fabrication and Assembly Team. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and creative problem-solver motivated to design and build a wide range of complex electromechanical instruments and systems. ISR-5 provides engineering and technical expertise to develop and deploy high-quality space- and ground-based innovative measurement systems for national security and basic 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 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.

The successful candidate will develop, design, and fabricate parts, fixtures, and assemblies used in a wide range of satellite hardware and ground support equipment. This position will be a critical member of a highly functioning team of technicians, engineers, and scientists that interact regularly with government organizations and commercial partners. Adherence to safety, security, and best fabrication practices is imperative for success in this position. The successful candidate is expected to make safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security. The ideal candidate will differentiate themselves through enthusiasm, a passion for space, and a strong collaborative mindset.

On any given day, you may be called to:
  • Fabricate mechanical components and fixtures with CNC machines, mills, lathes, laser etchers, 3D printers, and other shop equipment.
  • Author and execute detailed test procedures for complex subassemblies and integrated instrument-level testing.
  • Assist with technical research and gather data needed for engineering analysis.
  • Assist in design and development of new products, systems, and fabrication processes.
  • Review engineering drawings for accuracy, completeness, and format suitability.
  • Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) and/or CAD/CAM software.
  • Help diagnose anomalies, failures, or malfunctions, replace defective components, and perform basic troubleshooting using drawings, manuals, and written instructions.
Development and Fabrication Technician 3 ($66,100 - $103,600) duties include, though are not limited to the following:

Apply technical knowledge to propose solutions to complex design challenges. This includes interpreting design drawings and acting as a liaison between the machine shop and our partner groups. Candidates should be comfortable working with both mechanical and electrical systems including standard machine ship equipment, vacuum and pressure systems, measurement machines, and tooling and fixtures, and with analog, digital, and RF circuitry. This position may design simple circuits and mechanical assemblies, develop test procedures, acquire test data, and document test results, and troubleshoot custom circuits, assemblies, and systems. The candidate should be able to work independently as well as part of a team, and actively seek to improve work processes to meet customer needs.

Development and Fabrication Technician 4 ($72,800 - $115,400) duties include those listed above, and in addition:

This position will be expected to perform all the tasks above, but in a leadership capacity. This includes independently developing work plans, leading and reviewing other employees' work, and mentoring junior staff. They may lead instrument integration for project teams, perform verification testing, and manage delivery and integration to external customers. At this level, the role will have regular contact with broad project teams including scientists, engineers, personnel outside of ISR, and external engineering agencies. In addition, they will display advanced knowledge of a wide range of electrical and mechanical tools, materials, and systems.


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 internal 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 integrate 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.

Technical
Experience and demonstrated skill conducting research, developing alternative approaches, and recommending solutions for complex electromechanical problems. Demonstrated experience handling delicate parts and instruments while performing mechanical inspection and assembly. Ability to read, understand, review, and edit engineering procedures, drawings, layouts, and other related instructions.

Safety
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 Development and Fabrication Tec 4:

Technical
Advanced skill in mechanical and electrical development, troubleshooting, testing, and verification. Demonstrated experience with a wide range of fabrication machinery and equipment including specialty hardware. Acts as a go-to resource for other staff with questions about approaches and best practices for fabrication and assembly. Experience designing, testing, and integrating spaceflight hardware or assemblies of similar complexity and delicacy.

Leadership
Demonstrated experience mentoring staff. Verbal and written skills sufficient to capture knowledge and transfer it to others. Needs both the technical credibility to lead small teams and the interpersonal skills to resolve conflict and manage those teams effectively. Ability to represent the machine shop with ISR project teams, other groups within LANL, and with external vendors and customers.

Timeliness
Experience delivering products on schedule while being involved in multiple projects with competing priorities. Ability to learn and mentor and be mentored to complete job functions as part of a team and execute tasks independently.

Education/Experience for lower 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.

Education/Experience for high level: Position requires an associate's degree and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience participating in setup and execution of research & development field test campaigns.
  • Forklift and manlift experience.
  • Demonstrated experience working with and handling classified information.

Note to Applicants:
Occasional travel to, and work in, other government and private laboratories and facilities will be required.
Please provide a comprehensive cover letter that details how you meet the qualifications for this position.

Essential Job Functions(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): multiple hours standing, long hours of bench work, individual lifts up to 50 pounds

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.

About the Company

L

Los Alamos National Laboratory