What You Will Do
We are seeking a Space Instrument Engineering Technologist 1 to join our collaborative and dynamic team! The ideal candidate will be highly-organized, self-motivated, and a proficient multi-tasker with a strong desire and capacity to learn. 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, project control specialists, and technical project managers, all of whom engage on interdisciplinary, high performance project teams that span conceptual development to deployment. The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) 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 Rovers at Mars, Van Allen Probes, IBEX, and the upcoming IMAP, NACHOS, and BeamPIE missions.
ISR-5 is filling multiple Space Instrument Engineering Technologist 1 positions, which will be supporting several different projects including the NASA Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), the Space-based Nuclear Detonation Detection (SNDD) portfolio, and the Agile Space portfolio of nano- and micro-satellite space missions that with highly innovative payloads developed and deployed by Los Alamos for both national security and science missions, with sponsors including DoD, NASA, and NNSA. These project teams develop payloads from inception, design, and prototyping; through fabrication, assembly, test, and integration; to launch, commissioning, and operation.
As an Engineering Technologist 1 you will routinely use the principles and theories of engineering, math and science to solve challenging technical problems in broad areas of research and development. On any given day, you may do one or more of the following:
Perform a wide variety of hands-on work in ISR laboratories, including space instrument fabrication, assembly and test; maintaining equipment; developing mechanical designs; reading electronic schematics; and troubleshooting as issues arise.
Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, facility managers, project leaders, and program managers to brainstorm and implement innovative solutions to complex and challenging technical and operational problems.
Lead refurbishment, maintenance, and management of classified laboratory space where space instruments are built, assembled, and tested, including ISR's cleanrooms.
Develop and use custom data acquisition systems based on, for example, Labview, Python or C.
Use basic analog electronic skills such as reading and understanding schematics.
Operate bench top test equipment including oscilloscopes and signal generators.
Develop mechanical designs for fixtures, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), laboratory equipment, and other applications using, for example, Solidworks/CREO.
Collaborate with Systems Engineers on tasks such as Material Identification Usage Lists (MIULs).
Lead research initiatives impacting multiple projects across ISR, such as an out-gassing studies for new materials deployed to space.
Collaboratively develop, deploy, and use customized Ground Support Equipment, such as portable ground stations for our Agile Space portfolio or for field experiments
Participate in and contribute to technical and planning meetings.
Order electronic, connector and mechanical components.
Prepare component kits and documentation for ISR Fab Shop assembly and Q/A.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Communication & Teaming:
Demonstrated ability to contribute to effective, intellectually diverse teams, and interact with colleagues with diverse professional, educational, and experience backgrounds. Effective written, oral, and presentation skills. High quality documentation skills. Ability to effectively communicate project requirements across a multi-disciplinary team. Demonstrated record of fostering a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
Work Approach:
Enthusiastic willingness to learn in a highly supportive environment. Adaptive, creative, and collaborative approaches to solving problems, overcoming obstacles, and handling uncertainty. Effective use of soft skills and a persistence to navigate the institutional systems and processes to meet goals in a timely manner. Collaborative and communicative style, proactive in asking questions in order to learn and perform work. This position offers a rich opportunity to both learn and teach.
Technical Experience:
Demonstrated knowledge of and exposure to the practice of engineering and science disciplines, such as in a laboratory or experimental R&D environment. Demonstrated ability to quickly understand and use engineering and scientific principles, techniques, methods, and tools to enable the success of complex, high impact projects. Passion for learning and applying new skills and knowledge is important for this position.
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.
Education/Experience: Position requires an Associate's Degree in an Engineering or Technical field and 2 years of related experience, or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with programming in one or more languages, such as Python, Labview, C, and/or Arduino ecosystem
Experience with one or more software packages such as Solidworks or CREO
Experience with specialized laboratory equipment used for development and test of instrumentation deployed to space, for example radiation sources, laser systems, ultraviolet light sources, high vacuum systems, and work in a clean room
Experience with reading electronic schematics
Basic photography and illustration skills as related to technical documentation
Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.
COVID Vaccine:
The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all Laboratory employees, on-site contractors, and on-site subcontractors unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to those working on-site, those teleworking, and all new hires.
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 (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. 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 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.
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 [email protected] or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.Employment Status Full Time