Mechanical Or Nuclear Engineer (R&D Engineer 1)

What You Will Do

At the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), we use a one-of-a-kind linear accelerator to deliver protons at 84% the speed of light to special targets to make neutrons that are used for scientific and national defense applications. Half of the year is spent in heavy maintenance activities whereas the other half Is spent in operations with on-call responsibilities. During the operation period, a significant portion of time is spent in preparing for the next maintenance outage.

We are seeking a hands-on mechanical or nuclear engineer to be part of a unique team to support design, analysis, maintenance, replacement, and operations of the high-power accelerator targets.

As an R&D Engineer 1 on the team you will:

• Participate in the design, testing, and implementation of mechanical, electromechanical, vacuum or piping systems and system upgrades.
• Update drawings, operating procedures, maintenance schedules, inventories, and equipment lists.
• Assist in activities including facility shielding placement, design and fabrication of mechanical hardware, and heavy lifting operations with overhead cranes and forklifts.
• Provide on-call support during accelerator operational periods on a rotating basis with other team members and occasionally work after hours.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot target cooling systems including radioactive water and cryogenic systems.
• Operate robotic remote handling equipment.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

This position requires an aptitude and desire for hands-on work and troubleshooting of mechanical systems.

• Experience with design and/or operation of mechanical, hydronic, cryogenic, or vacuum systems.

Training/Certifications: Ability to obtain and maintain a respirator certification.

Clearance: None. Candidate may obtain a clearance if eligible, but it is not a requirement for holding this position.

Education/Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Nuclear preferred) from an ABET accredited institution.

Essential Job Functions(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability and willingness to participate in hands-on operations and fabrication including lifting objects up to 50 pounds, as week as assisting when needed with heavy lift activities involving heavy machinery; Reaching overhead, horizontally, and down: Applying torque with hands or arms, Gripping with the hands, Pressing, pushing, and/or pulling with hands or arm, Fine motor control, Use of both hands, arms, legs, and feet.

Work Environment :

• Work may require multiple layers of PPE and a respirator: Level B HAZMAT suit/anti-C, Mask or respirator, Gloves or hand protection, Safety shoes or protective footgear, Headgear or head, eye, and/or facial protection.
• Work overtime or irregular hours, work after hours, and work on call.
• Ability and willingness to work around radiological, mechanical, and cryogenic hazards, Work near sources of ionizing radiation.
• Operation of specialized heavy equipment: Work with vibrating equipment/machinery, Work near machinery with moving parts.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with radioactive waste handling and processing requirements.
• Familiarity with common welding practices, machining and fabrication tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code
• Experience with CAD software and strength analysis packages.
• Experience writing work documents or procedures incorporating various safety, environmental, radiological and other controls.

Work Schedule: 5/40, 9/80, 4/10 schedules available. On-call alternating weeks during beam delivery

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:

• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

At 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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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 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 StatusFull TimeAppointment TypeRegularRegular