What You Will Do
The Weapons Engineering Tritium Facility (WETF) performs critical radioactive material research and development to ensure the safety, security and effectiveness of gas transfer systems in our nation's enduring stockpile. This includes monitoring and understanding performance of gas transfer systems in existing stockpile weapons as well as development of advanced gas transfer systems for weapon updates, such as component retrofits and life extension programs. The WETF facility provides the operational infrastructure necessary to execute work involving radioactive material in a safe and secure environment.
This position will be filled at either Operator 4 or Operator 5 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities outlined below will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
Operator 4 ($71,200 - $112,900)
The Operator 4 is a fully qualified, experienced operator as defined by the organization's training and qualification program, or has significant subject matter expertise in related or similar facilities, functional areas, or fields. Operates and monitors critical safety systems according to operating instructions. Responsible for safe execution of technical safety requirement surveillances or surveillances required to meet safety / authorization basis requirements. Performs technical tasks in support of operations, maintenance, science or engineering activities. Provides direct support in operations, specification, construction, and/or design of facility mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical systems. Checks and inspects operation and maintenance against predetermined standards. Follows process sheets or written / verbal directions. Observes equipment and control panels for operator messages or error indicators. Sets up and runs diagnostic test and reacts appropriately to the messages and reports errors or machine malfunctions as required. May work with and be responsible for multiple systems.
Operator 5 ($85,900 - $139,900)
In addition to the responsibilities at the lower level, Operator 5 is fully Certified operator regarded as facility expert. Operates and monitors critical safety systems according to operating instructions. Recognized as the facility lead on off-shifts and required to make technical decisions regarding safe operations of nuclear facilities. Performs technical tasks in support of operations, maintenance, science or engineering activities. Provides direct support in operations, specification, construction, and/or design of facility mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical systems. Checks and inspects operation against predetermined standards. Follows process sheets or written / verbal directions. Observes equipment and control panels for operator messages or error indicators. Sets up and runs diagnostic test and reacts appropriately to the messages and reports errors or machine malfunctions as required. May work with multiple systems.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Demonstrated knowledge of typical facility electrical and mechanical systems, sub-systems and components (i.e., ventilation, vacuum pumps, etc.).
Demonstrated experience with following detailed procedures, documenting actions and logging of activities related to facility operations.
Ability to read and understand engineering instructions, drawings, layouts and other related specifications.
Demonstrated ability to perform assigned tasks with minimal supervision based on demonstrated proficiency.
Experience working with programmatic customers to achieve laboratory goals.
Experience and skill to prioritize alarm responses based on evaluation of available data.
Excellent interpersonal, written & verbal communication skills.
Additional Job Requirements for Operator 5:
In addition to the requirements above, qualifications at the higher level require:
Knowledge of relevant Laboratory procedures, standards and guides.
Experience developing and revising complex operational procedures.
Ability to perform as Person in Charge during operation and maintenance activities.
Experience working with multiple disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to mentor junior personnel.
Ability to effectively understand and implement nuclear facility safety basis requirements.
Education/Experience for Operator 4 : Requires a relevant Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience for Operator 5 : Requires an Associate's Degree in a relevant field and 7 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, additional training and certification may be expected.
Desired Qualifications:
Naval Nuclear experience
Demonstrated ability to learn and implement DOE Orders and LANL Procedures pertinent to nuclear facility operations
Demonstrated information technology experience
Experience in the DOE complex
Active DOE Q clearance or the ability to obtain one
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:
Applicants are required to submit a current résumé and cover letter. The cover letter should clearly address how the applicant meets the Minimum Job Requirements and, if applicable, the Desired Qualifications outlined in this posting. Applicants are encouraged to highlight relevant experience supporting complex procurement actions, working in regulated or nuclear environments, and coordinating across technical and business organizations.
Work Schedule: 9/80 or 5/40 work schedule.
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 (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). 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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-A/@Aimages/file) 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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.
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.
