Technician 2

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy’s goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage. We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an Analytical Chemistry Technician to support our Analytical Center and assist with laboratory reactor operations. This role is hands-on and varied: you will prepare and analyze samples, support researchers across multiple directorates, and help operate and maintain lab-scale reactor systems.
Success in this position depends on excellent housekeeping, strong attention to detail, and a consistent commitment to safe, disciplined laboratory work. We are willing to train a motivated candidate with solid fundamentals and the right mindset.
Due to the nature of the work, this position is 100% onsite in Richland, WA.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 1 year of relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to follow written procedures, complete detailed documentation, and work safely in a laboratory or technical environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organization skills, and a consistent track record of maintaining clean, well-run workspaces.
• Basic mechanical aptitude (comfortable assembling/disassembling simple hardware, using hand tools, noticing abnormal equipment behavior).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; reliable communication and willingness to learn.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with analytical instrumentation (e.g., GC, HPLC/IC, UV-Vis, FTIR, titration systems, balances, pH/conductivity meters) or similar equipment.
• Experience supporting reaction testing, process systems, or equipment involving tubing/fittings, pumps, regulators, pressure systems, or gas handling (as applicable to lab operations).
• Familiarity with quality practices such as checklists, control samples, chain-of-custody, and instrument logs.
• Experience working in environments with fume hoods, gloveboxes, or other engineered controls.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for analysis (e.g., aliquoting, dilution, filtration, digestion, extraction) following established procedures and quality practices.
• Perform routine analytical measurements using established techniques (may include chromatography, spectroscopy, titration, gravimetric methods, and related approaches).
• Accurately record observations, instrument conditions, and results in lab notebooks and/or electronic systems; organize data for review by technical staff.
• Support method execution and basic troubleshooting under technical supervision; escalate issues appropriately.
• Assist with setup, operation, and shutdown of laboratory reactor systems (e.g., bench-scale or pilot-scale) under supervision and in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Prepare feeds, manage consumables, verify system readiness, monitor operating parameters, and document runs with a high level of accuracy.
• Perform routine system checks (leak checks, line purges, pressure/temperature verification where applicable), sampling during runs, and post-run cleanup.
• Support safe handling of chemicals/gases and proper management of waste streams associated with reactor testing.
• Maintain exceptional laboratory housekeeping: clean work areas, organized storage, labeled containers, timely waste disposal, and readiness for audits/inspections.
• Follow safety requirements (PPE, hazard communication, chemical hygiene, equipment safety) and contribute to continuous improvement in lab safety practices.
• Conduct routine maintenance tasks on instruments and lab equipment; maintain logs, calibration/maintenance records, and notify staff of needed repairs.
• Work closely with scientists, engineers, and technicians; participate in daily coordination and project meetings as needed.
• Provide dependable technical support to multiple projects while managing priorities, schedules, and communication.

Benefits

• Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
• Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match.
• Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED