Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Plutonium Metal Production Technician (Research Tec 4/5) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Research Tec 4/5 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.
Join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world.
Research Tec 4 ($69,500 - $110,300)
As a Research Tec 4, you will perform and lead production work related to certain plutonium metal manufacturing processes and provide technical support for related activities, including equipment repair and maintenance, manufacturing research, production optimization, process development, and waste handling. Your specific duties may include performing technical glovebox and other radiological work (e.g., nuclear material handling, waste handling) in accordance with formal procedures and the LANL Conduct of Operations program, as well as serving as a person-in-charge for such activities. As a level 4 technician, your work will involve a very high level of responsibility for safety and security as you work with chemicals, radioactive materials, fissile material, and ionizing radiation. Your work will be directly related to national security objectives, requiring you to protect and maintain sensitive and classified information.
Research Tec 5 ($83,900 - $136,600)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level, you will have comprehensive knowledge of all plutonium metal manufacturing processes and be qualified to perform them all. Further, your duties will include mentoring & training team members and formally qualifying them to perform process work. As a level 5 technician, you will be an expert in pyrochemical production of plutonium metal, and lend your expertise to continued process improvement efforts.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Qualified in at least one pyrochemical operations process (i.e., direct oxide reduction, electrorefining, molten salt extraction, metal chlorination, plutonium coalescence and oxidation).
Qualified as a person-in-charge for plutonium facility process work.
Demonstrated experience in executing plutonium facility work safely and in accordance with the LANL conduct of operations program.
Demonstrated experience mentoring and training junior team members in applicable process work.
Human Reliability Program (HRP)-certified
Additional Job Requirements for Research Tec 5:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Qualified in at least three pyrochemical operations processes (i.e., direct oxide reduction, electrorefining, molten salt extraction, metal chlorination, plutonium coalescence and oxidation).
Qualified to Glovebox Operator Level II competencies.
Demonstrated experience performing formal on-the-job training (OJT) and evaluating performance demonstrations.
Training/Certifications: Glovebox Operator qualified (level I), Fissile Material Handler Certified.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 7 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
DOE Order 426.2 - Requires High School Diploma
Desired Qualifications: Department of Energy Q-Clearance.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Reading vision, ability to speak, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz), sitting, standing, walking, crouching, reaching, use of both arms, applying torque with hands/arms, gripping with hands, and lifting 30+ pounds.
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 2 years.
Note to Applicants:
Work occurs primarily in a glovebox environment near sources of ionizing radiation. PPE used includes eye protection, gloves, protective coveralls and shoe covers, and occasional respirator.
Where You Will Work
PT-1 group is located at the TA-55 plutonium facility. The group provides plutonium pit related products and services of superior quality and value to protect our nation and promote world stability. The metal production team works in the area where plutonium is purified at molten temperatures to support a strong plutonium science and manufacturing capability which is essential to the U.S. nuclear deterrent. The selected candidate will join a highly motivated team where teamwork is essential.
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 (paid sick, vacation, 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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.
*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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg1-pgchg) for additional information.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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.
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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) 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.