Principal Technologist
About The Position
The Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) seeks a Principal Technologist to support the fabrication, assembly, deployment, and operation of advanced prototype systems in a fast-paced R&D environment. The position works closely with scientists and engineers to build, modify, and test one-of-a-kind systems, often under evolving requirements. The primary work location is STL in Santa Barbara, California, a satellite location within the NNSS that supports NNSA nuclear security mission requirements and broader national security objectives. The work schedule is negotiated with the supervisor; available schedules include 5-8, 9-80, or 4-10 workweeks. The role includes machine-shop fabrication of prototype and short-run production parts and fixtures, manual machining, multi-axis CNC programming and machining, Wire EDM programming and operation, metrology and inspection, and light electromechanical assembly. It also supports on-site and remote field deployments and data collection, including experimental system setup, operation, and troubleshooting. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship and being at least 18 years old. The selected applicant will undergo pre-employment drug testing and background screening, may be required to complete a counterintelligence evaluation including a polygraph, and must participate in required reinvestigations. A valid driver's license is required. A pre-placement physical examination that includes a drug screen is also required. The annual salary range is $83,491.20–$125,236.80. Starting salary depends on position market value, the candidate's education and experience, and internal equity.
Requirements
- Associate degree in a field related to the position and at least 9 years of progressive related experience, or a high school diploma and at least 11 years of progressive related experience.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship and minimum age of 18 are required for the clearance.
- Successful completion of required pre-employment drug testing and background review; selected applicant must also meet federal background investigation and classified-access eligibility requirements.
- Pre-placement physical examination, including a drug screen.
- Ability to participate in required security reinvestigations; a counterintelligence evaluation, potentially including a counterintelligence-scope polygraph, may also be required.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the design, fabrication, and deployment of components and systems supporting R&D efforts.
- Fabricate prototype and short-run production parts and fixtures in a machine-shop environment, working from conceptual sketches and drawings, generating solid models, and fabricating components.
- Inspect fabricated parts and systems using standard measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, gauges, coordinate measuring machines, digital microscopes, and vision systems.
- Perform light electromechanical assembly of systems and subsystems.
- Plan and conduct work requiring judgment in evaluating, selecting, applying, adapting, and modifying standard techniques, guidelines, procedures, and criteria.
- Support on-site and remote field deployment and data collection, including setup, operation, and troubleshooting of experimental platforms and systems in operational environments.
- Develop effective resolutions and improvements across mechanical and electrical systems, adapt to changing requirements, and contribute to iterative design improvements.
- Perform manual machining, multi-axis CNC programming and machining, Wire EDM programming and operation, and inspection, qualification, and assembly of in-house fabricated parts and COTS components.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Associate degree
