Job Description
What You Will Do This position is open for external candidates only to apply. This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level dependent on the skills, knowledge and experience of the selected candidate. The Sigma Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Electrochemistry Research Technologist. Sigma Division focuses on manufacturing science emphasizing metallurgical processes and research in support of the experimental testing program at Los Alamos. Sigma division supports a broad customer base, both internal and external to LANL, with high quality prototype and research and development capabilities. The work covers materials from hydrogen to uranium on the periodic table. The successful candidate will join the Electrochemistry and Corrosion Team which performs electroplating, electropolishing, coatings development, corrosion testing, and processing of highly diverse materials from the nano-scale to production scale. These projects range from research and development, to one-off hardware and routine production for weapons and space applications. The research technologist is responsible for troubleshooting and optimizing existing plating lines and analytical instruments to enhance both efficiency and product quality. Working closely with production staff, they ensure seamless operation of the plating lines, promptly addressing any issues that arise. In addition, they design and carry out experiments aimed at developing new plating techniques and refining existing ones, while rigorously analyzing and interpreting process data to pinpoint opportunities for improvement. Compliance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements is a core duty, encompassing the safe handling, use, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. The technologist also maintains detailed, accurate records of plating processes, formulations, and test results, and contributes to the preparation of technical reports, scientific publications, conference presentations, and patent applications. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of electrochemistry and have the technical expertise to make a real impact, we encourage you to apply. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, innovative team and contribute to the development of cutting-edge manufacturing solutions.
What You Need Minimum Job Requirements:
Research Technologist 1 ($87,800-$143,000) The successful level 1 candidate will have: Demonstrated experience with plating lines and analytical instruments to improve efficiency and quality. Examples of team projects where you had to collaborate with peers and or staff to ensure smooth operation of a laboratory and resolve any issues that arise. Experience conducting experiments and testing to develop new plating techniques and improve existing ones Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret data from plating processes to identify areas for improvement. Demonstrated compliance with safety protocols and regulations, including handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals. References that show you are able to maintain accurate records of plating processes, formulas, and testing results. Examples where you contributed to reports, publications, presentations, and patents. Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. Research Technologist 2 ($96,600-$158,000) In addition, the successful level 2 candidate will have: Examples where you have led written documentation in the form of reports, process documentation, procedures, or safety documentation. A history of developing and implementing new electroplating processes and formulas to meet customer requirements Demonstrated experience contributing to development of implementation of ideas with minimal supervision to optimize capability maintenance and growth in technology areas. Demonstrated mentoring and leadership/mentoring capabilities. Research Technologist 1 Education/Experience Required :
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. Research Technologist 2 Education/Experience Required :
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 :
Active Q-level clearance Knowledge of electroplating processes, including nickel, copper, gold, and silver plating Familiarity with chemical handling and safety protocols Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment Strong communication and teamwork skills Certification in electroplating or related field an asset Experience in characterizing electroplated coatings and films using techniques like SEM, XRD, XPS, and electrochemical testing. Experience with AI/ML for experimental materials development/discovery. Note to Applicants:
Please send the following: A cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills. A current C.V. or resume with the minimum following information: Educational background, work experience, relevant technical skills, relevant extracurricular activities, professional references and work areas of interest. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V./resume will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant. 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. 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. 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. 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.
