Description
Special Materials Machinist 3/4
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. As the nation’s premier plutonium center of excellence, LANL leads efforts in safeguarding the U.S. nuclear stockpile while advancing science across national security, space exploration, renewable energy, supercomputing, and more. The Pit Technologies (PT) Division, within the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP), delivers world-class plutonium pit-related products and services while ensuring high-consequence manufacturing meets rigorous safety, compliance, and quality standards. We are seeking a Special Materials Machinist 3/4 to join the PT-2 Machining Group. In this role, you will manufacture precision prototype and production components from specialized and hazardous materials in highly controlled environments. This position will be filled at either level 3 or level 4, depending on the selected candidate’s experience. This is a regular, onsite role in Los Alamos, NM, with salary ranges as follows:
- Special Materials Machinist 3: $72,800 – $115,400
- Special Materials Machinist 4: $87,800 – $143,000
Responsibilities for Special Materials Machinist 3:
- Manufacture precision components using manual and CNC machining processes, including turning, milling, drilling, and EDM
- Work with hazardous and specialized materials (e.g., plutonium, uranium, beryllium) in gloveboxes and controlled environments
- Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and G&M code to meet tight tolerances and specifications
- Perform precision measurements using metrology tools and apply shop mathematics
- Follow established procedures to ensure safety, compliance, and quality standards
- Troubleshoot machining issues and support continuous process improvement efforts
- Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and project teams to meet production objectives
Additional Responsibilities for Special Materials Machinist 4:
- Lead machining projects and provide technical direction to ensure safety, quality, and delivery requirements
- Evaluate part designs for manufacturability, cost efficiency, and scheduling feasibility
- Serve as a subject matter expert in advanced machining of specialized materials
- Mentor and train junior machinists, fostering technical skill development
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute innovative machining solutions
- Coordinate with stakeholders and provide technical feedback on project execution
Qualifications
Special Materials Machinist 3:
- Associate’s degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or related field and 4+ years of experience, OR 6+ years of prototype machining experience, OR journeyperson qualification with 4+ years of experience
- Proficiency in manual and CNC machining, including setup and operation
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings, CAD/CAM files, and G-code
- Strong knowledge of material properties, machining processes, and precision measurement tools
- Ability to work independently, troubleshoot issues, and follow strict safety protocols
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance and Human Reliability Program (HRP) enrollment (U.S. citizenship required)
Special Materials Machinist 4:
- Associate’s degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or related field and 6+ years of experience, OR 8+ years of prototype machining experience, OR journeyperson qualification with 6+ years of experience
- Expert-level proficiency in manual and CNC machining, including complex setups and programming
- Advanced understanding of engineering drawings, tolerances, and manufacturability analysis
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring and project ownership
- Strong project coordination, problem-solving, and continuous improvement skills
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance and HRP enrollment (U.S. citizenship required)
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience machining hazardous or radioactive materials in controlled environments
- Active DOE Q clearance and HRP participation
- Familiarity with classified operations, computing, and data management
- Advanced CAD/CAM programming and tooling design experience
- Background in Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and quality standards
- Demonstrated ability to train and mentor others at an advanced level
We Are Delivering Scientific Excellence
Los Alamos National Laboratory is more than a place to work. It is a catalyst for discovery, innovation, and achievement. It’s one of the reasons we attract world-class talent who contribute greatly to our outstanding culture. Professional development and work/life balance foster lasting career satisfaction. Our onsite cafeterias and medical, fitness, and wellness facilities, education assistance, and generous compensation and benefits reflect our commitment to supporting our employees’ personal and professional growth. Northern New Mexico offers abundant outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and year-round adventure.
(IRC143370)
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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
