Principal Technologist

Nevada National Security Sites • Santa Barbara, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) is seeking a Principal Technologist to support fabrication, assembly, deployment, and operation of advanced prototype systems in a fast-paced research and development environment. The role works closely with scientists and engineers to build, modify, and test one-of-a-kind systems, often under evolving requirements. STL is located in Santa Barbara, California, and supports NNSA nuclear security mission requirements and broader national security objectives.

The position involves hands-on work in a machine shop and support for experimental systems in operational environments. The primary work location is STL in Santa Barbara, California. The work schedule will be negotiated with the supervisor; available work-week schedules are 5-8, 9-80, or 4-10.

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 position requires a valid driver's license. Pre-placement screening includes a physical examination and drug screen. DOE pre-employment screening and federal background investigation requirements apply, and a counterintelligence evaluation, potentially including a polygraph examination, may also be required.

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 this clearance.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment drug testing and background screening.

Responsibilities

• Assist with 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, 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 onsite 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, adapting to changing requirements and contributing to iterative design improvements.
• Perform manual machining, multi-axis CNC programming and machining, and Wire EDM programming and operation.
• Inspect, qualify, and assemble in-house fabricated parts and commercial off-the-shelf components.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Associate degree