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Overview

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 Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads critical research in four areas: Atmospheric, Climate & Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Molecular Sciences, and Global Change. Our vision is to develop a predictive understanding of biological and Earth systems in transition. We aim to understand energy and material flows within the integrated Earth system; to understand, predict, and control the response of biosystems to environmental and/or genomic changes; and to   Model the Earth system from the subsurface to the atmosphere.

The Environmental Molecular Sciences Division is comprised of 18 interdisciplinary research teams focused on deciphering molecular-level interactions driving biological and environmental processes across temporal and spatial scales. Through computational analysis and modeling, these findings contribute to predictive understanding of how systems respond to environmental perturbations thus enabling solutions to the nation’s energy, environmental, and human health challenges. The division also manages the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus that accelerates the research of scientists around the world by providing access to world-class expertise, instrumentation, and computational resources.

This is an **on-site** position.

Responsibilities

As an **Electronics Technician** in the **Instrument Development and Automation Laboratory** , you will collaborate with researchers to support cutting-edge instruments and systems for scientific discovery. Our team has significant instrument development, automation, and troubleshooting experience with state-of-the-art instruments and automated platforms. In this role you will work closely with our expert technologists who design and develop custom electronics and printed control boards (PCBs), upkeep and tune super conducting magnets, continuously improve, expand instrument performance, and more.

A successful candidate will have familiarity with electronic techniques and concepts (soldering, schematics, circuits, radio frequency) and a desire to apply their skills to science. They will have a keen interest in troubleshooting and developing solutions to work with mechanical systems with a focus on systems utilizing cryogens (liquids close to absolute zero in temperature). They must be internally motivated to learn new techniques and concepts in science to maximize their impact on projects. Mentorship of the scientific concepts and equipment we routinely work with will be provided by our expert staff, and as such, it is not expected that the candidate will understand the science conducted on the equipment when hired. Over time, it will be expected that the candidate learns these concepts, along with sharpening their skills in electronics and mechanics, to support and expand our capabilities.

+ Learn to maintain, troubleshoot, super conducting magnets and other scientific instruments

+ Manage magnet fills with cryogens (liquid helium and nitrogen)

+ Learn to monitor, operate, maintain helium liquefying mechanical system (PLCs, vacuum pumps, cold heads, valves)

+ Troubleshoot electronic systems down to the component level (resistors, inductors, transistors, etc.) as needed

+ Learn to build and fabricate custom circuits, PCBs, and cables

+ Read schematics of circuits and systems to aid in troubleshooting

+ Actively learn about the scientific equipment and processes from mentors, colleagues and through self-study

+ Collaborate with colleagues and vendors to solve issues

+ Document work instructions and issue resolutions

+ Communicate with internal scientists across PNNL directorates about scheduling, planned maintenance, and repair progress

+ Always follow applicable safety practices

The selected candidate must pass a screening to ensure it is safe for them to work around strong magnetic fields, like those found in some clinical MRI environments. Certain implanted or embedded metallic objects can pose serious health risks when exposed to magnetic fields. These include, but are not limited to:

+ Pacemakers

+ Medical implants (e.g., cochlear implants, stents, prosthetics)

+ Metal fragments from injuries (e.g., shrapnel, BBs, bullets, metal shavings

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ High school diploma/GED or higher

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Certifications in electronics manufacturing and/or telecommunications not required, self-taught skills will be considered

+ Experience with developing, maintaining or repairing complex electronic systems e.g. telecommunication devices, control systems, radio stations, board level troubleshooting and repair etc.

+ Experience with microcontrollers, radio frequency generators and transceivers (e.g. HAM Radio), digital control systems (including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial PCs (IPCs))

+ Experience at an entry level with troubleshooting and maintaining mechanical systems

+ Experience at an entry level with coding languages (Python, C/#/++)

+ Ability to use pressure and vacuum gauges, oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers and have good electro mechanical aptitude

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

+ Required exposure up to 3 Tesla (30K Gauss)

+ Required exposure to cryogens (liquid nitrogen and helium, at temperatures close to absolute zero/-459°F)

+ As needed, work with energized electronics

+ As needed, work with high-voltage electronics

+ Climbing ladders

+ Ability to lift 50 lbs

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $20.91/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $30.34/Hr.