Space Instrument Research Technologist 1/2
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States
Overview
The Space Instrument Research Technologist position is in the Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) division and will be filled at the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level depending on the candidate’s skills. The role supports prototyping, testing, manufacturing, and deployment of space satellite instruments for scientific and national security missions. The X-ray and Particle Sensing (XAPS) project measures X-rays and energetic charged particles as part of the US Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) program. The XAPS team conducts a multi-year production run of multiple flight instruments and requires day-to-day calibration support for these instruments and maintenance of the calibration facility.
Responsibilities
Execute calibration operations on flight hardware in accordance with defined production schedules and milestones.
Operate commercial and custom-built X-ray calibration systems using standard laboratory equipment.
Produce timely, detailed calibration and test reports aligned with production flow.
Coordinate with engineers, scientists, technicians, and project leadership to maintain production momentum.
Identify and resolve technical or facility issues quickly to minimize schedule impact.
Maintain calibration facilities, equipment readiness, and configuration control.
Perform all work safely and securely in accordance with LANL policies and procedures.
Develop a strong technical understanding of assigned flight instruments to enable efficient troubleshooting.
Lead laboratory refurbishment, maintenance, and readiness activities to support uninterrupted production.
Maintain and modify C# software used for laboratory automation to improve efficiency and repeatability.
Apply analog electronics skills to diagnose and resolve instrument issues.
Analyze and interpret experimental data to author final reports and present results.
Participate in R&D activities without compromising ongoing production commitments.
Qualifications
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Knowledge:
Working knowledge of calibration and measurement techniques in a production setting; analog electronics; and computer hardware and integration.
Technical Experience:
Experience with handling, safe use, transport, and storage of radioactive sources; data analysis such as data fitting or statistical analysis; and working with standard electronic test equipment.
Technical Skills:
Ability to set up, run, troubleshoot, and analyze standalone experiments and acquire data using data acquisition systems; strong data analysis, interpretation of results, data fitting, troubleshooting with data, and applying statistical methods to improve performance; strong documentation and technical communication skills.
Teaming and Work Approach:
Ability to work in a diverse, collaborative environment with minimal supervision; willingness to mentor others and contribute as a subject-matter expert leader.
Safety and Security:
Commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and quality; ability to lead shipment of hazardous materials between sensitive areas; ability to meet technical requirements across facilities; ability to obtain a Q clearance.
Education/Experience Notes:
Research Technologist 1 : Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of 2 years related experience, or equivalent.
Research Technologist 2 : Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years related experience, or equivalent. Includes leadership responsibilities, mentoring, and representation at technical meetings and reviews.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of radiation detection and measurement techniques and experience characterizing radiation detectors.
Ability to travel to support mission needs.
Experience with space hardware, vacuum systems, flash-based X-ray sources.
Experience as a laser operator.
Experience with CAD tools for mechanical design.
Experience with C# or willingness to learn.
Ability to provide direction and guidance to team members.
Location and Benefits
Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. The Laboratory offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parental leave, retirement plan with matching, tuition assistance, flexible schedules and PTO, on-site gyms, wellness programs, and relocation support where applicable.
Clearance and Compliance
Clearance: Q; eligibility for a background investigation and U.S. citizenship requirements apply. The position may require additional access authorizations depending on duties. Employment is subject to successful completion of a drug test and adherence to laboratory policies and federal requirements. Equal Opportunity: LANL is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request during the application process.
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The Space Instrument Research Technologist position is in the Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) division and will be filled at the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level depending on the candidate’s skills. The role supports prototyping, testing, manufacturing, and deployment of space satellite instruments for scientific and national security missions. The X-ray and Particle Sensing (XAPS) project measures X-rays and energetic charged particles as part of the US Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) program. The XAPS team conducts a multi-year production run of multiple flight instruments and requires day-to-day calibration support for these instruments and maintenance of the calibration facility.
Responsibilities
Execute calibration operations on flight hardware in accordance with defined production schedules and milestones.
Operate commercial and custom-built X-ray calibration systems using standard laboratory equipment.
Produce timely, detailed calibration and test reports aligned with production flow.
Coordinate with engineers, scientists, technicians, and project leadership to maintain production momentum.
Identify and resolve technical or facility issues quickly to minimize schedule impact.
Maintain calibration facilities, equipment readiness, and configuration control.
Perform all work safely and securely in accordance with LANL policies and procedures.
Develop a strong technical understanding of assigned flight instruments to enable efficient troubleshooting.
Lead laboratory refurbishment, maintenance, and readiness activities to support uninterrupted production.
Maintain and modify C# software used for laboratory automation to improve efficiency and repeatability.
Apply analog electronics skills to diagnose and resolve instrument issues.
Analyze and interpret experimental data to author final reports and present results.
Participate in R&D activities without compromising ongoing production commitments.
Qualifications
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Knowledge:
Working knowledge of calibration and measurement techniques in a production setting; analog electronics; and computer hardware and integration.
Technical Experience:
Experience with handling, safe use, transport, and storage of radioactive sources; data analysis such as data fitting or statistical analysis; and working with standard electronic test equipment.
Technical Skills:
Ability to set up, run, troubleshoot, and analyze standalone experiments and acquire data using data acquisition systems; strong data analysis, interpretation of results, data fitting, troubleshooting with data, and applying statistical methods to improve performance; strong documentation and technical communication skills.
Teaming and Work Approach:
Ability to work in a diverse, collaborative environment with minimal supervision; willingness to mentor others and contribute as a subject-matter expert leader.
Safety and Security:
Commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and quality; ability to lead shipment of hazardous materials between sensitive areas; ability to meet technical requirements across facilities; ability to obtain a Q clearance.
Education/Experience Notes:
Research Technologist 1 : Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of 2 years related experience, or equivalent.
Research Technologist 2 : Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years related experience, or equivalent. Includes leadership responsibilities, mentoring, and representation at technical meetings and reviews.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of radiation detection and measurement techniques and experience characterizing radiation detectors.
Ability to travel to support mission needs.
Experience with space hardware, vacuum systems, flash-based X-ray sources.
Experience as a laser operator.
Experience with CAD tools for mechanical design.
Experience with C# or willingness to learn.
Ability to provide direction and guidance to team members.
Location and Benefits
Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. The Laboratory offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parental leave, retirement plan with matching, tuition assistance, flexible schedules and PTO, on-site gyms, wellness programs, and relocation support where applicable.
Clearance and Compliance
Clearance: Q; eligibility for a background investigation and U.S. citizenship requirements apply. The position may require additional access authorizations depending on duties. Employment is subject to successful completion of a drug test and adherence to laboratory policies and federal requirements. Equal Opportunity: LANL is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request during the application process.
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