Space Instrument Mechanical Technician (Development and Fabrication Tec 4/5)

Full Time
Los Alamos, NM
Posted
Job description
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Development and Fabrication Tec 4 or 5 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.

We are seeking a Mechanical Development and Fabrication Technician to join our collaborative and dynamic team! The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, results-oriented, and an enthusiastic learner. The Space Instrument Realization Group (ISR-5) provides engineering and technical expertise to develop and deploy high-quality, innovative measurement systems to space for national security applications and NASA missions. ISR-5 is composed of electrical and mechanical engineers, systems engineers, technicians, and project control specialists, all of whom engage on high performance project teams that span conceptual development to deployment. 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 nearly 60 years. Including 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, and IBEX.

The development, production, and delivery of national security payloads as well as one-of-a-kind NASA instruments requires a high degree of expertise and creativity. The successful candidate will be engaged in development, design and fabrication of fixtures, structures, and assemblies used in a wide range of satellite hardware and ground support equipment. Fixtures and assemblies will typically be subjected to environmental testing in conditions including, but not limited to, shock, vibration, load/deflection testing, vacuum and temperature environments. Fabrication activities require participation as a critical member of a highly functioning team environment with technicians, engineers, scientists, and project controls staff within Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) as well as with Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) and other organizations.

Development and Fabrication Tec 4 ($67,800 - $107,700)
  • Adhere to safety, security, and fabrication policies, programs, procedures and practices. 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.
  • Fabricate mechanical components and fixtures with CNC mills and lathes, manual mills and lathes, sheet metal fabrication, laser etching, 3D printing, etc.
  • Execute and document detailed verification procedures for complex subassemblies and integrated instrument level testing.
  • Assist with technical research and gather data needed for engineering analysis.
  • Assist in product/system/equipment design, development and/or fabrication processes.
  • Ability to read and interpreted engineering drawings and understand GD&T.
  • Perform review of drawings to ensure drafting/design accuracy, completeness, and format suitability.
  • Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) and/or CAD/CAM software.
  • Provide input for diagnosis of anomalies, failures or malfunctions, replace defective components, and perform basic troubleshooting using detailed drawings, manuals, and written instructions.
  • Promote a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Development and Fabrication Tec 5 ($81,700 - $133,100)

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the candidate will:
  • Possess extensive knowledge and skills related to machining and fabrication methods, environmental testing, manufacturing and assembly best practices, and engineering design tools.
  • Develop detailed instructions, schematics or assembly drawings to specify components for advanced, high-reliability assemblies.
  • Provide expertise in understanding and assessing usefulness and practicality of designs, as well as ease of implementation in the context of the overall system.
  • Assume a leadership role within the team and projects to ensure completion of certain tasks



What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
Communication & Teaming: Demonstrated ability to accomplish technical tasks while working independently as well as in a team environment with engineers and scientists. Experience interfacing directly with engineers and other staff to develop and implement instrumentation projects. Strong written and verbal communication, active listening, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required for this position.

Software: Knowledge in the use of some typical engineering design software such as SolidWorks, Creo, or other similar software for fixture design.

Machine Knowledge: Demonstrated experience in the testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and tooling. Experience interpreting and assembling parts using drawings and schematics. Knowledge and experience in prototype machining operations including CNC machining, manual machine tools, 3D printing. Demonstrated ability to use machine shop tools, measuring equipment, hand tools.

Innovation: Experience and demonstrated skill in conducting research, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions on problems affecting electronic or mechanical systems and/or equipment.

Timeliness: Experience working and delivering product on schedule, while being involved in multiple projects having various and sometimes changing priorities.

Additional Job Requirements for Development and Fabrication Tec 5:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requ ires:
  • Advanced or expert knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, or similar products for fixture design.
  • Extensive experience in the testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and tooling.
  • Expert knowledge and experience in prototype machining operations including CNC machining, manual machine tools, 3D printing.
  • Expert knowledge of industry, regulatory, or DOE/NNSA Complex codes, standards, and criteria pertinent to the particular operations performed within the assigned scope of work.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires an Associates' Degree and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires an Associates' Degree and a minimum of 7 years relevant experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or engineering technology may be preferred.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience working with space flight hardware.
  • Demonstrated experience working with and handling classified information.
  • Experience designing test fixtures.

Work Environment:

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

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:
  • 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 qualification for this position.
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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.Employment StatusFull TimeAppointment TypeRegularRegular

Fraud Warning:

Unfortunately, employment scams are real. Sometimes bad actors try to impersonate a hiring organization in an attempt to gain an applicant’s personal or financial information.

Please be aware that Los Alamos National Laboratory will never ask for funds for equipment or otherwise at any stage of the application or employment process. Official correspondence with the Laboratory will come from an email ending in lanl.gov.

If you feel that you have been the victim of a scam, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

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