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Los Alamos National Laboratory Accelerator Operator (Operator 4) in Los Alamos, New Mexico

What You Will Do

The Beam Operations Team supports the Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division, within the Operations Group (AOT-OPS) and is responsible for operating the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's (LANSCE) proton accelerator. In this position, you will enable cutting edge science and vital defense research by operating one of the world's most powerful linear accelerators to deliver protons at up to 84% the speed of light to 5 different facilities. This research includes 1) production of isotopes for medical, nuclear physics, environmental, and national defense, 2) proton radiography for national defense, and 3) neutron production for nuclear physics studies, material science, studying fission processes, neutron radiography, and semiconductor irradiations. This position requires working rotating shift work on a modified workweek schedule, 6-8 months a year. This position requires previous operator experience and is an excellent entry point opportunity for accelerator operations. Below are the principal responsibilities for this position:

  • Assist in establishing and maintaining complex operating configurations within specified operating and safety envelopes.

  • Assist in establishing and maintaining the LANSCE particle beams using computer control systems and locally adjusted devices.

  • Assist in operating, troubleshooting and repairing all elements of the beam transport, acceleration and delivery systems and all ancillary systems required for LANSCE accelerator facility operation, whose elements include, but are not limited to, ion sources, high-power RF amplifier systems, personnel safety and machine interlocks, radiation detection and control systems, and pulse-signal distribution.

  • In cooperation with other technical organizations and teams, assist in fabricating, installing, maintaining and repairing systems critical to the operation of the LANSCE accelerator and beam delivery complex.

  • Utilize approved procedures to safely and efficiently perform tasks.

  • Qualify as an accelerator operator through a formal qualification program within two years.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Current experience in safely operating a complicated process or facility under formal conduct of operations, such as the operation of a major charged-particle accelerator or nuclear power reactor.

  • Experience troubleshooting and repairing electric, electronic, and/or electro-mechanical components of operating systems.

  • Demonstrated experience following detailed procedures.

  • Strong record of compliance with training and qualification requirements.

  • The ability to work rotating shift work under extended work hours.

  • Effective oral and written communication skills, including effective interpersonal skills with team members, other employees and customers.

Training/Certifications: The successful candidate will need to complete and maintain qualifications for the LANSCE Accelerator Operator Training Program.

Education/Experience: 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. At this level, additional training, certification, and/or education will be expected, including associate degree and graduation from technical institutions.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Current and extensive experience in the LANSCE control room as an accelerator operator.

  • Willingness to take responsibility for crew's decisions and actions and to make improvements or changes when needed.

  • Able to implement and adhere to well vetted conduct of operations principles while remaining flexible and forward thinking in order to drive continuous improvement and adapt to change.

  • Strong attention to administrative details such as following operating procedures, ensuring training is complete, and training junior operators.

  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, typing or keyboarding, reading vision, ability to speak, and ability to discriminate speech.

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

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: For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses each of the key requirements of the position.

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 maternity 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-chg1-pgchg) 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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

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