The Shock and Detonation Physics group (DE-9) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is home to fundamental, mission-critical research on the dynamic properties of high explosives (HE), metals, and other materials. The Group¿s research portfolio includes understanding how energetic materials initiate, how detonation propagates, development of explosives detection methods, and investigation of the properties, including equations of state, of materials subjected to high static and dynamic pressure loading. The TA-40 Gas Gun facility is an essential experimental component of Group, using single- and two-stage large bore gas guns as tools in research focusing on shock initiation of energetic materials, and equation-of-state measurements, and currently supports research programs for multiple technical staff members. The primary duties of this position include support of firing operations at the TA-40 gas gun facility and other facilities as needed, including operation of gas guns and routine maintenance on guns and other experimental equipment, measurement, fabrication and documentation of high precision experimental assemblies and expendable parts in support of shock wave experiments, and record-keeping and maintenance of experimental supplies.
Required Skills: Basic computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Excel and Word. Demonstrated experience with basic mechanical tools, and meticulous attention to detail on critical and sensitive components. Previous experience working in a Laboratory research environment, and demonstrated success working as part of a team. Good communication skills and flexibility. Must be willing to work with energetic materials. Position requires Q access authorization. Must have the ability to obtain a DOE ¿Q¿ clearance, which usually requires US citizenship.
Desired Skills: Ability to take complex mechanical problems to practical solutions independently. Experience with reactive materials or high explosives. Knowledge of vacuum and high pressure systems, electronics and modern electronic digital recording equipment used in laboratory environments. Knowledge of the operation requirements of high-performance light gas guns. Experience with mechanical drawing and other engineering or scientific software packages. Qualified to work with a half-face respirator.
Education: Associates degree in electronics or mechanical technology or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Summary
Provides technical support for activities including research, analysis, development, design, assembly, modification, oversight, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of equipment used in experimental work (e.g. electro/mechanical apparatus, optical devices, analytical instrumentation, gloveboxes, lasers, radiographic equipment, high vacuum and pressure systems, and experimental diagnostics). Specific duties may include: technical support for or conduct of experimental work in materials science, physics, chemistry, biology, geoscience; computational work; instrumentation installation, hookups, data acquisition; fabrication, assembly, inspection, testing, analytical instrumentation; fielding of experimental diagnostics, ancilliary systems and related hardware; analyzing or validating results and reporting data. May work under supervision in areas involving high consequences for safety; e.g. chemicals, biological materials, radioactive materials, high explosives, high-power lasers, accelerators, high-energy devices, gas guns, and X-ray systems. Work may be directly related to national security objectives, requiring the individual to protect and maintain sensitive or classified information. The job may require a Department of Energy (DOE) or other agency security clearance. At this semi-skilled level, typically receives detailed and specific instructions and works on routine and some non-routine tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Responsibilities often develop into greater depth of knowledge in one functional area, or knowledge in more than one functional area, as one moves up in job level. Possesses demonstrated experience in emerging technical specialty.
Job Duties
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Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training and assures compliance; makes safety and security an integral part of every task. Takes steps to stop work if unsafe conditions exist or security is compromised.
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Completes necessary training to perform all tasks safely.
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Understands and adheres to all Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance specific to experimental activities.
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Has gained sufficient experience so that all work, materials, processes and final product can meet quality specifications and can be completed according to established requirements.
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Promotes a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
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Assignments may include exposure to a broad scope in multiple areas, but limited technical depth. Some non-routine tasks may be performed under limited supervision.
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Conducts technical work in the laboratory space or work area, as instructed by supervisor. Records procedures, equipment, parameters used in technical work; captures findings and data. Analyzes routine findings and data, develops preliminary interpretation of results, summarizes outcomes, and plan next stages of routine technical work. Works primarily with supervisor in the conduct of the technical work.
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Performs work at a semi-skilled technician level. Assignments are characterized by instructions for routine tasks, and more specific and detailed instructions for semi-routine or non-routine tasks, within established priorities, procedures, processes, requirements or specifications. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment, overall adequacy and accuracy. Work is performed under limited supervision.
Job Knowledge
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Works to technical objectives of assignments.
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Works in a team environment and exhibits collaborative behavior.
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Knowledge and implementation of required safety, security, and quality assurance practices for the work assignment, including calibration concepts and protocols as appropriate.
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Knows required safety and security practices for the work assignment.
Education
Direction
A. Supervision Received
B. Supervision Exercised
C. Contacts
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Laboratory management, engineers, scientists, technicians and other facility personnel. Contacts may include technical personnel from other scientific laboratories and contractors, throughout the DOE complex, in industry, DoD laboratories, and universities.
This description is not intended to be a complete statement of every aspect of the position, but rather to act as a guide to the essential functions to be performed. Assigned functions of this job may vary, and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at the discretion of management.
For specific questions about the status of this job, call (505)664-6947
