Principal Technologist

The Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) is seeking a highly capable Principal Technologist to support the fabrication, assembly, deployment and operation of advanced prototype systems in a fast-paced R&D environment. You will work closely with scientists and engineers to build, modify and test one-of-a-kind systems, often under evolving requirements. 

Located in Santa Barbara, California, the Special Technologies Laboratory is a key satellite location within the NNSS and is responsive to NNSA nuclear security mission requirements and broader national security objectives. At STL “problem solving is in the DNA,” using a diverse team of experts composed of scientists, engineers, technicians, facilities specialists, academic collaborators, and professional support staff.

• 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. 

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.