FIB/Coatings Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$87,800–$143,000 Per Year
SKILLS
CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Campaigns, Capsules, Communication Skills, DOE Clearance, DOE-Q (Top Secret Restricted Data), Dental Insurance, Develop Methodologies, Electricity, Laboratory, Laboratory Notebook, Machining, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Methods, Material Science, Microscopy, Operations Security (OPSEC), Peripheral Vascular Disease, Research & Development (R&D), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Systems Maintenance, Technical Drawing, Technical Research, Technical Support, Thin Film, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
15 days ago
What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 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 ($87,800 - $143,000)
The Engineered Materials Group (MST-7) is seeking outstanding candidates with strong practical backgrounds in electron microscopy, specifically dual-beam focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscope (SEM) systems. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently and lead development of FIB techniques to enable micro-machining of novel inertial confinement fusion (ICF) capsules. This work will integrate with related target fabrication activities to produce viable test pieces for large science campaigns. The candidate will also perform tasks related to the deposition and characterization of thin films and coatings. Regular dissemination of results in the form of well-kept laboratory notebooks, internal reports, peer-reviewed research papers, and conference presentations will be essential for success.

The Surface & Interface Engineering Team R&D Technologist will support MST-7 and other organizations across LANL. MST-7's mission is to use our materials science expertise to address national security needs. This requires maintaining excellence in fundamental materials science, innovative materials development, and synthesis of unique thin films and coatings coupled with cutting edge materials fabrication processes, advanced characterization techniques and world class ultra-precision design and machining. We apply a multi-disciplinary approach to push the state-of-the-art in engineered materials to be responsive to emergent national security requirements, trusted stakeholders, and production agency needs.

Research Technologist 2 ($96,600 - $158,000)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level oversight of routine maintenance and upkeep of the FIB/SEM system is expected. Additionally, applicants should be comfortable designing and implementing solutions to mechanical problems based on requirements or technical specifications (e.g. being able to take a technical drawing from conceptual sketch to real part, even if required manufacturing techniques or fixturing is undeveloped).

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • B.S. from an accredited institution and 2+ years of relevant work experience, or an M.S. from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the job; A degree in a STEM field is preferable.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of standard principles, concepts and techniques in dual-beam FIB/SEM systems
  • Experience preparing samples for electron microscopy
  • Strong mechanical, electrical, and related skills
  • Demonstrated communication skills and an ability to work in team environment
  • Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance
  • Please provide a brief cover letter describing how you meet each of the Minimum Job Requirements and optionally the Desired Qualifications below.
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
  • B.S. from an accredited institution and 5+ years of relevant work experience, or an M.S. from an accredited institution and 2+ years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the job; A degree in a STEM field is preferable.
  • Ability to design and implement manufacturing solutions based on technical/customer requirements
  • Ability to perform oversight of routine maintenance and upkeep of FIB/SEM system.
Education/Experience at lower level: 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. Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.

Education/Experience at higher level: 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:
  • Degree from an accredited institution in a STEM field
  • Experience designing and/or running unique experimental equipment
  • Familiarity with technical drafting or computer aided design (CAD)
  • Experience with deposition of thin films or coatings, especially physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques
  • Experience with characterization of thin films and coatings
  • Experience with assembly or maintenance of vacuum systems, coating systems, and/or electron microscopes
  • Active DOE Q clearance
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: In addition to a current CV/resume, please provide a brief cover letter describing how you meet each of the Minimum Job Requirements and optionally the Desired Qualifications.

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 maternity 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.

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