What You Will DoJoin the Beam Operations Team and take the controls of one of the world's most powerful scientific machines. As part of the Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division, you'll operate the LANSCE proton accelerator-a facility capable of pushing protons to 84% the speed of light and delivering them to five unique research destinations.If you thrive on mastering complex systems, solving high-stakes problems in real time, and working at the intersection of science, engineering, and national security, this role puts you right where the action is. Every shift, you'll directly support:
- Isotope production for medicine, nuclear physics, environmental studies, and national defense
- Proton radiography for mission-critical defense applications
- Neutron production for nuclear physics, materials science, fission studies, neutron imaging, and semiconductor irradiation
In this role, you'll become a key operator in a facility where precision and performance truly matter. You will:
- Establish and maintain complex operating configurations within strict operating and safety envelopes.
- Set up and sustain LANSCE particle beams using advanced computer controls and local adjustment systems.
- Operate, troubleshoot, and help repair every major part of the beam transport, acceleration, and delivery systems-including ion sources, high-power RF systems, safety and machine interlocks, water and vacuum systems, radiation detection systems, and pulse-signal distribution hardware.
- Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and other specialists to fabricate, install, maintain, and repair systems critical to accelerator and beam-delivery operations.
- Work alongside senior operators and particle physicists to tune and deliver beam to five experimental facilities.
- Follow approved procedures to ensure safe, efficient, and disciplined operations.
- Complete a formal operator qualification program within two years-and earn the title of qualified LANSCE Accelerator Operator.
What You NeedMinimum Job Requirements:- Recent experience safely operating a complex process, machine, or facility under formal conduct-of-operations (e.g., charged-particle accelerator, nuclear reactor, aviation systems, shipboard systems, or substantial military hardware).
- Proven ability to troubleshoot electrical, electronic, and/or electro-mechanical components.
- Demonstrated success following detailed procedures and adhering to established protocols.
- Strong history of meeting training and qualification requirements.
- Ability to work rotating 12.5-hour shifts on an extended-hours schedule.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills for working with teammates and customers.
- A demonstrated ability-and motivation-to learn applied engineering and physics concepts.
Desired Qualifications:- Extensive experience in a technical operator or technician role; training or experience with commercial nuclear reactors or the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is highly desired.
- A strong sense of responsibility and ownership-ready to make decisions, correct issues, and stop work when necessary to prevent accidents.
- Ability to implement disciplined conduct-of-operations principles while staying flexible, forward-thinking, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Sharp attention to administrative detail, including procedural compliance, ensuring training completion, and mentoring junior operators.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Training/Certifications: The successful candidate will need to complete and maintain qualifications for the LANSCE Accelerator Operator Training Program.
Education/Experience: This position requires a relevant Associates Degree and 5 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
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, Ability to discriminate speech.
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants should submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses each of the key requirements of the position.Military training and experience with radar, electric, electronic, and/or electro-mechanical systems is considered to be very valuable and applicable to relevant experience. Submit transcript with educational experience and/or Joint Service transcript for military experience.
Work Environment: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.