Principal Technologist
Nevada National Security Sites
$83,491 - $125,237 / year
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Description
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in design, fabrication and deployment of components and systems in support of R&D efforts.
- Fabricate prototype and short run production parts and fixtures in a machine shop environment. This will involve working from conceptual sketches and drawings, generating solid models and fabrication of components.
- Inspect fabricated parts and systems with standard measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, contact and non-contact metrology equipment such as coordinate measuring machines, digital microscopes, and vision systems.
- Light electromechanically assembly of systems and subsystems.
- Plans and conducts work, that requires judgment in the evaluation, selection, application, adaptation, and modification of standard techniques, guidelines, procedures, and criteria.
- Support on site and remote field deployment and data collection activities, including setup, operation and troubleshooting of experimental platforms and systems in operational environments
- Create and ensure effective resolutions and improvements across mechanical and electrical systems, adapting quickly to changing requirements and contributing to iterative design improvements.
- Performs work that involves Manual machining, multi axis CNC programming and machining, Wire EDM programming and operation. Inspection, qualification and assembly of in-house fabricated parts as well as COTS components.
Qualifications
- Associate degree in field related to the position plus at least 9 years’ progressive related experience or High School diploma plus 11 years’ progressive related experience.
- The primary work location will be at the Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) located in Santa Barbara, CA.
- Work schedule for this position will be negotiated with the supervisor; employees can work 5-8, 9-80, or 4-10 work-weeks.
- Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
MSTS is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants offered employment with MSTS are also subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. In addition, Applicants for employment must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship, at least 18 years of age. Reference DOE Order 472.2, “Personnel Security”. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Department of Energy Q Clearance (position will be cleared to this level). Reviews and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR Part 707.4, “Workplace Substance Abuse Programs at DOE Sites,” will be conducted. Applicant selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation, required to participate in subsequent reinvestigations, and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. Successful completion of a counterintelligence evaluation, which may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination, may also be required. Reference 10 CFR Part 709, “Counterintelligence Evaluation Program.”
MSTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug-free workplace.
Annual salary range for this position is: $83,491.20 - $125,236.80.
Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate education and experience and internal equity.
Benefits
- stock options
About this role
Nevada National Security Sites is seeking a Principal Technologist to support research and development work at its Special Technologies Laboratory in Santa Barbara. This hybrid role bridges design and hands-on fabrication, requiring someone comfortable moving between conceptual work and machine shop operations. You'll design and build prototype components, program and operate CNC and Wire EDM equipment, perform precision inspection using both traditional and advanced metrology tools, and assemble electromechanical systems. The work extends beyond the lab—you'll also support field deployments, troubleshoot experimental platforms in operational environments, and contribute to iterative design improvements as requirements evolve.
The position calls for either an associate degree plus nine years of progressive experience, or a high school diploma plus eleven years in related technical fields. You should have solid skills in manual and CNC machining, inspection protocols, and the judgment to adapt standard techniques to novel problems. A valid driver's license is required, and you'll need to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which involves a federal background investigation, drug screening, and counterintelligence evaluation. U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
The salary range is $83,491 to $125,237 annually, with flexibility on scheduling—you can negotiate a 5-8, 9-80, or 4-10 work week arrangement with your supervisor.
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Pay for this role
$83,491 to $125,237 per year
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