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Welding & Joining Research Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM Full Time
POSTED ON 4/3/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/2/2025
What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills/experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Sigma Division focuses on manufacturing science emphasizing metallurgical processes and research in support of the experimental testing program at Los Alamos. Sigma division supports a broad customer base, both internal and external to LANL, with high quality prototype and limited production components. The work covers all materials from hydrogen to uranium on the periodic table. The Welding & Joining (W&J) team encompasses many types of welding and joining, including electron beam welding, laser welding, laser marking, laser cutting and ablation, manual and semi-automatic arc welding, brazing, and associated processing. The team also supports computational efforts, both internal to the team and in collaboration with other LANL experts, to investigate compensation, residual stresses, material composition, and microstructure development. The W&J team works with the other teams in Sigma and beyond to solve manufacturing challenges, provide metallurgical guidance, and lead the way in cutting edge welding and joining processing.

In this role you will perform hands on experimental research related to various manufacturing methods as outlined below. The work will enable you to utilize and grow your knowledge while working with cutting edge technology related to these processing areas.

Research Technologist 1 $85,900 - $139,900

Research Technologist 1 will be responsible for supporting activities specifically related to welding & joining. The candidate will apply the scientific method to address technical problems, operate and troubleshoot multiple machines, analyze data from experiments in the context of the underlying scientific principles or models. The position will require direct interface with staff scientists in carrying out collaborative work, and oversight of the work of research technicians.

Research Technologist 2 $94,500 - $154,600

In addition to Research Technologist 1 responsibilities Research Technologist 2 will be periodically responsible for oversight of technologists and/or students. The candidate will need to be able to provide a first-pass analysis of experimental data and perform tasks to maintain high quality welding & joining results.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Research Technologist 1:

  • Has performed experimental welding and brazing work and related documentation with minimal supervision
  • Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot and solve instrumental and equipment challenges
  • Demonstrated motivation to be a self-guided learner of new techniques under the supervision of more experienced personnel.
  • Willingness to work with radioactive materials and other hazardous materials in a rigorous safety environment.
  • Assist with development and maintenance of authorizing documents to perform work safely and compliantly in the Sigma Complex
  • Mentor technicians, technologists, and junior staff on research or manufacturing projects
  • Ability to acquire a Q-clearance, which almost always requires US citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for R&D technologist 2:

  • Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience with welding and joining techniques and related documentation.
  • The technologist will be expected to work independently to meet project deadlines and deliverables, coordinating with other team members as needed. This includes managing testing schedules, documenting results, and ensuring that the work aligns with the overall project goals.
  • At this level, the technologist will also be expected to take a leading role in documenting research findings. This includes writing detailed, high-quality reports, generating clear presentations for stakeholders, and ensuring that all data is accurately captured and communicated.
  • Develop new techniques, principles, and concepts, and complete work in innovative and effective ways

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

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience applying advanced engineering simulations or modeling to production environments
  • Experience with data acquisition systems or the advanced application of sensor technologies on welding or related equipment
  • Formal training or experience machining a variety of materials with lathes, mills, drill presses, and saws, and other industrial machining equipment
  • Drafting or CAD software experience
  • Experience working with radiological or hazardous materials
  • Experience with process qualification and certification methods, including industry standard practices.
  • Formal training or hands-on experience in any of the following areas: arc welding (GTAW or GMAW), brazing, solid state welding, other welding/joining methods, heat treatment, casting, machining, forging, and/or other metal fabrication using manual or computer numerically controlled equipment
  • Experience with weld evaluation including non-destructive testing and mechanical testing
  • Experience with non-destructive testing, visual inspection, and metallurgical characterization techniques
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Note to Applicants:

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.

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.

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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.

Salary : $85,900 - $139,900

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