Entering the machining trade in Los Alamos, NM, typically begins with an apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience with classroom instruction, enabling individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring extensive training under experienced professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 288,789 machinists nationwide, with a median annual wage of $50,840. In Los Alamos, NM, machinists earn an average of $1064 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $1,100 per week. Trade schools, technical institutions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring machinists find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
What You Need Minimum Job Requirements for Levels 4 and 5: Technical Skills • Advance knowledge in the setup and operation of manual and CNC mills and lathes to produce parts with a high degree of difficulty and tight tolerances. • Advance knowledge in applied shop mathematics. • Advance knowledge in the development of machining processes, including fixturing and tooling design and selection. • Advance knowledge in precision measurements on parts using inspection equipment. • Advanced application of CAD/CAM in a manufacturing environment, preferably utilizing Solidworks and MasterCam • Advanced knowledge of the proper application and interpretation of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to ASME Y14.5 standard Communication, Teamwork, and Safety • Ability to communicate effectively and work successfully as part of a team! • Follow guidelines for working safely in an industrial manufacturing environment. • Demonstrated record of dependability, reliability, and commitment to the long-term needs of the job duties and programmatic goals of the organization. In addition to the skills listed above, Level 5 candidates must also meet the following requirements: • Expert level knowledge in the development of machining processes, including fixturing and tooling design and selection. • Expert application of CAD/CAM in a manufacturing environment, preferably utilizing Solidworks and MasterCam • Expert knowledge of the proper application and interpretation of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to ASME Y14.5 standard Education/Experience (Level 4): • Associate degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies OR equivalent precision metalworking program AND 6 years of experience OR 8 years prototype experience OR Journeyperson qualification program AND 6 years of experience. Education/Experience (Level 5): • Associate degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies OR equivalent precision metalworking program AND 10 years of experience OR 12 years prototype experience OR Journeyperson qualification program AND 10 years of experience. Desired Additional Qualification: • Wire EDM setup and operation. • Demonstrated experience working with engineers to optimize product design in support of manufacturability. • Demonstrated experience mentoring and supervising machinists. Note to Applicants: Please provide a comprehensive resume that outlines how you meet the minimum and desired qualifications listed above. Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory. 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. Questions? Please contact LANL Recruiter Sarita Montano at [email protected]. Where You Will Work Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes: • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network • Dental and vision insurance • Free basic life and disability insurance • Paid childbirth and parental leave • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually) • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays) • Onsite gyms and wellness programs • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius) Additional Details Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A. Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad. • Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information. New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer. Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status. Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements. Equal Opportunity: 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to [email protected] or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
See More Details >>What You Will Do Calling all aspiring machinists! The 2025 Machinist Apprentice Program (MAP) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is open for applications. Over the course of 2 years, Apprentices will: • Work under the direction of instructors and machinists in both classroom settings and in multiple LANL machine shops. • Complete competencies based on the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certified Machinist Training and MAP Curriculum, as well as curriculum specific to the Lab. • Gain valuable on-the-job experience in machine shops while machining for a variety of customers. Students will get to work on a wide range of projects, critical to national security. • Work towards obtaining a Journeyperson's Certificate through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). Upon completion of the program, successful candidates often transition into full-time employment at LANL. This 2-year apprenticeship program is managed by the Prototype Fabrication (PF) Division. PF Division's capabilities include precision machining in a wide variety of materials and sizes, dimensional inspection, preventative and corrective maintenance, metal fabrication and welding, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM). We support apprentices to grow not only as talented machinists, but also as well-rounded LANL employees with a strong foundation of dependability, trustworthiness, integrity, & respect. What You Need Minimum Job Requirements: • Be at least 18 years of age by the projected program start date in October 2025. • Have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) • An interest/aptitude for machining and mechanics. • Knowledge of mathematics (trigonometry, algebra, geometry). • Effective verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. • Willingness to be part of a collaborative team and to communicate effectively with peers, colleagues, customers to maintain a safe and respectful workplace. • Certificate of completion OR an associate degree in a machine tool technology program from an accredited technical college; OR three (3) years relevant experience. • Candidates are welcome to apply if they are currently enrolled in such a program, but it must be completed prior to the October 2025 start date. Questions about your qualifications? Contact program manager John Lamar at [email protected]. Conditions of Employment: Upon completion of the 2-year Machinist Apprentice Program (MAP), you may receive an offer of regular full-time employment as a machinist at the Laboratory. Should you decline the offer of employment, you will be required to refund the Laboratory the cost of your books, external training, software licenses related to the MAP curricula, and your NIMS membership. Additionally, any offer of regular full-time employment as a machinist at the Laboratory will be conditioned on a two-year commitment of employment in that position. If you fail to honor the two years of continuous employment as a machinist at LANL, you will be required to refund the Laboratory the cost of your books, external training, software licenses related to the MAP curricula, and your NIMS membership. In the event an offer is not extended at program completion, reimbursement will not be required. Note to Applicants: • Salary starts at approximately $25.50 per hour and increases as candidates progress through the program, culminating in a salary of approximately $35.91 per hour at completion. • State Certified Journeyperson Certificate upon completion. • Full machinist toolbox provided. • Personal protective equipment is provided, such as safety boots and prescription safety glasses. • Position requires selected candidates to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance. To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and U.S. citizenship is required, except in limited circumstances. (Note: The employer will support selected candidates through the Clearance application process). Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory. Where You Will Work Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. Our generous benefits package includes: • PPO • or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network • Dental and vision insurance • Free basic life and disability insurance • Paid childbirth and parental leave • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays) • Onsite gyms and wellness programs • Partial relocation assistance available Additional Details Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A. Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad. New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer. Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements. Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php Equal Opportunity: 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 [email protected] or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3. Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account: Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account: • Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage. • Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system. • Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated. Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account: • Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account. • From here, you will establish an account with username and password. How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process • Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details. • Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account. If you experience any technical issues, please email [email protected] for assistance.
See More Details >>What You Will Do The successful candidate will operate manual and CNC mills and lathes in the safe manufacturing of high explosive (HE) components under the mentoring of a senior machinist and HE handler. the successful candidate will work independently in the machining of HE components and assemblies. They will contribute significantly to programming, tooling and fixturing specifications as part of the process development activities. They will develop and create new techniques to successfully machine high explosives, they will aid and review other lower-level machinists work procedures and processes, documenting work performed, as well as training and mentoring others. What You Need Minimum Job Requirements: • Ability to follow guidelines for working safely in an industrial manufacturing environment • Advanced knowledge of applied shop mathematics • Proven understanding of machining processes, tools, and operations to obtain various tolerances • Advanced knowledge of applied material properties • Expert knowledge and ability to read and interpret engineering drawings • Proven ability to setup and operate manual equipment, CNC equipment, hand tools and supporting shop equipment with little to no supervision • Master ability to create CAD/CAM files (such as Camworks, MasterCam, etc.) and/or G&M code • Master ability to perform precision measurements • Experience machining high explosive materials • HE handling experience • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team • Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship • Experience with 5-axis CNC machining • Proven ability to manufacture complex parts made from difficult materials with exacting tolerances • Ability to develop new procedures and protocols to meet mission needs • Ability to review designs and advise on part manufacturability, cost and schedule • Ability to train and mentor others • Experience with Mastercam Education/Experience: Position requires an Associate's Degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 10 years of experience; OR, 12 years prototype experience; OR, Journeyperson qualification program and 10 years of experience. Desired Qualifications: • Experience with Fanuc controllers • Experience with Haas controllers • Experience with Bridgeport and Clausing machines Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): • Vision, Speech, and Hearing: Peripheral vision, Depth perception, Reading vision, Distance vision, Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz) • General Physical Mobility: Standing, Walking, Bending, Crouching, Twisting the trunk or back, Balancing • Specific Physical Mobility: Reaching overhead, Reaching horizontally, Reaching down, Applying torque, with hands or arms, Gripping with the hands, Pressing with hands or arms, Pushing with hands or arms, Pulling with hands or arms, Typing or keyboarding • Fine motor control: Use of both hands, Use of both arms, Use of both legs, Use of both feet • Weight Handling Requirements: Carrying 30+ pounds, Lifting 30+ pounds 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. Note to Applicants: • The selected candidate is required to work on-site. • Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory. Where You Will Work Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes: • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network • Dental and vision insurance • Free basic life and disability insurance • Paid childbirth and parental leave • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually) • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays) • Onsite gyms and wellness programs • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius) Additional Details Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A. Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad. • Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information. New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer. Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements. Equal Opportunity: 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 [email protected] or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
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