Ceramic Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What You Will Do
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
This position will be filled at either the 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional skills are required if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Sigma Division is a unique group at Los Alamos National Laboratory working in both fundamental and applied materials research, materials processing development, and material applications of new technologies. The Ceramic Processing Science Team in the Division is seeking candidates to fill positions of Research Technologist 1 or 2 to support our work. In these roles you will perform hands on research in various manufacturing methods such as synthesis, forming, machining, and densification. This work will enable you to utilize and grow your knowledge while utilizing cutting edge technology. You will be working both independently and as part of a team to realize objectives.
Job Duties for the Research Technologist 1 ($87,800-$143,000)

• Synthesizing, forming, and sintering ceramic powders
• Preparing test specimens or creating one off test parts
• Developing, assembling, and operating mechanical hardware, test assemblies, and experimental fixtures
• Compiling, documenting, and reporting data and results
• Performing routine maintenance on equipment
• Hands-on work in a radiological controlled area
• Promote a mutually respectful work environment.

Additional responsibilities for the Research Technologist 2 ($96,600-$158,000)

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with laboratory equipment, experimental fixtures, and processing methods.
• Assist with the specification, installation, commissioning, and validation of new laboratory equipment and capabilities.
• Develop and implement improvements to laboratory processes, experimental procedures, and test methods to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Experience with ceramic processing, including synthesizing, forming, and sintering ceramic materials.
• Hands-on experience with general laboratory and/or industrial practices.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to complete work with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks to meet project objectives.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with technical and operations personnel.
• Experience using Windows-based computers and Microsoft Office applications, including data management and database use.
• Demonstrated ability to follow established safety and security policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Experience specifying, installing, and commissioning laboratory or industrial equipment.
• Ability to obtain a Q-clearance, which normally requires U.S. Citizenship.

Research Technologist 2
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, requirements at this level include:

• Demonstrated ability to identify, specify, and install needed capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Demonstrated experience in processing, characterization, and testing of ceramic materials.
• Demonstrated ability for technical data reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse team of professionals including technicians, engineers, and scientists including effective communication skills across all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage ingenuity, creativity, and personal independence to support multiple concurrent team tasks.
• Proven ability to meet individual and/or team goals for well-defined tasks within a project.

Education/Experience Research Technologist 1:
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.
Research Technologist 2
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:

• Ceramic (electronic, structural, or refractory) industry experience
• Active Q clearance
• Experience in DOE facility and programs
• Experience with glovebox operations.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Lifting 30+ pounds, standing, walking, Domestic/Foreign Travel
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:
When submitting your application electronically to this vacancy, please submit at a minimum:

• A cover letter addressing the minimum requirements as outlined above
• A resume that contains the following information: education, major (if relevant), relevant work experience, professional references, relevant technical skills, and work areas of interest.

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 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.
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.