Special Materials Machinist III or IV

Work Location

Los Alamos National Laboratory - Los Alamos, NM

Employment Type

Full-Time / Onsite

Clearance Type

DOE Q Clearance (Position will be cleared to this level)

Job Summary / Overview

Omega Technical Services is seeking a Special Materials Machinist 3 or 4 for PT-2 Machining Group at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM.

The PT Division provides plutonium pit related products and services of superior quality and value to protect our nation and promote world stability.

As a Special Materials Machinist 3 or 4 in the PT-2 Machining Group, you will manufacture prototype and production parts from specialized materials such as plutonium, uranium, beryllium, and high explosives. These hazardous materials require precision machining in gloveboxes or specially controlled environments with strict safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.

Assignments may range from routine tasks to original problem-solving efforts depending on level. Machinist 3s focus on execution under defined parameters, while Machinist 4s often take the lead in project development, technical feedback, and mentoring. You will collaborate with requestors to ensure manufacturability while meeting tight tolerances and material specifications.

Given the complexity of this work, certifications such as Glovebox Worker II (GB), Fissile Material Handler (FMH), Beryllium Worker, and Radiation Training will be required. An active enrollment in the Human Reliability Program (HRP) and a Q clearance are also required.

This role involves physical activity and PPE usage in dynamic environments. You must be comfortable working with protective gear (hearing protection, respirators, etc.) and traveling between work areas on foot, shuttle, or vehicle. Effective communication is critical for documenting processes and collaborating across teams.

Special Material Machinist 3

• Highly skilled machinist with expertise in both manual and CNC machining, capable of manufacturing complex parts to tight tolerances. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting CAD models and G&M code, and using precision measuring tools and shop mathematics.
• Experience with hand tools, CAD/CAM creation, and safe operation of machinery is essential.
• Strong analytical skills are required, including the ability to follow established procedures, troubleshoot machining issues, and contribute to process improvements. Regular collaboration with engineers and technicians, as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience handling hazardous materials in glovebox environments or similarly controlled settings.
• Compliance with safety certifications, HRP enrollment, and security clearance requirements are mandatory.

Special Material Machinist 4

• In addition to the core requirements, qualification at the higher level requires expert-level proficiency in advanced machining practices, particularly involving specialized materials under strict safety standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate part designs for manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and scheduling feasibility.
• Deep understanding of engineering principles, material properties, and tolerance analysis is essential.
• Proven leadership, including mentoring and training less experienced machinists, and taking a lead role in machining projects to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards.
• Strong project management skills are required, with the ability to coordinate with stakeholders to meet technical and scheduling requirements.
• Must lead, by example, in both safety practices and continuous improvement initiatives, actively contributing to process enhancements for greater efficiency and quality.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, following established procedures for machining precision parts.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance. As well as obtain and maintain active enrollment in the Human Reliability Program (HRP).
• Fully proficient knowledge of applied material properties and the ability to interpret engineering drawings.
• Skilled ability performing precision measurements along with the ability to use hand tools and supporting shop equipment with no supervision.
• Skilled ability to set up manual equipment with no supervision.
• Skilled ability to set up and operate CNC equipment with no supervision.
• Skilled ability to create CAD/CAM files or G&M code.

Additional Job Requirements for the Special Materials Machinist 4:

• Lead and mentor less experienced machinists, fostering professional development within the team.
• Evaluate complex part designs for manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and scheduling feasibility, advising engineers and project stakeholders.
• Take ownership of machining projects, coordinating technical execution to meet safety, quality, and delivery standards.
• Contribute original technical solutions and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance machining processes and operational efficiency.
• Perform work independently without appreciable direction, with work reviewed from a long-term results perspective.
• Comprehensive understanding of machining processes, tools, and operations to obtain various tolerances.
• Comprehensive knowledge and ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Expert ability to set up operate manual equipment.
• Expert ability to set up and operate CNC equipment.
• Expert ability to create CAD/CAM files or G&M code.
• Ability to review designs and advise on part manufacturability, cost and schedule.

Education/Experience Special Material Machinist 3:

Associate's Degree (AAS) in Machining Technologies or equivalent precision metalworking program and 4 year's related experience; OR, 6 year's prototype experience; OR, Journeyperson qualification program and 4 years of experience.

Education/Experience Special Material Machinist 4:

Associate's 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Candidates at this level have demonstrated expertise beyond the journeyman level, applying extensive knowledge and skills to specialized tasks.
• A comprehensive understanding of machining processes, tools, operations, and tolerances is necessary, along with an ability to evaluate complex designs and advise on manufacturability, and scheduling.
• The ability to train and mentor others is highly desirable.
• Prior experience machining hazardous materials and working with classified matter is preferred.
• Familiarity with classified computing and data management is an asset.
• An active DOE "Q" clearance or an equivalent security clearance is strongly preferred.

Why Omega Technical Services?

Omega Technical Services is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and a trusted partner supporting the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and other government clients on mission-critical projects. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and the opportunity to work on impactful projects in national security and technology.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Omega Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or protected veteran.