Overview
The Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in three core areas: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Molecular Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are many as we continue to elevate the impact of PNNL's science mission: to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security.
This is an onsite position.
Responsibilities
As an Electronics Technician in the Instrument Development and Automation Laboratory, you will join our team of talented engineers and technicians who collaborate with researchers to develop 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 demonstrated proficiency in electronic techniques and concepts (soldering, schematics, circuits, radio frequency) and a desire to apply their skills to science. They will be adept at applying their solutions to work with mechanical systems and possess a high aptitude for troubleshooting and root cause analysis. They must also be internally motivated to learn new techniques and concepts in science to maximize their impact on projects. Mentorship on the scientific concepts and equipment we routinely work with will be provided by our expert staff, and as such, it is not expected that a talented electronics technician also understands the science conducted on the equipment when hired. Over time, it will be expected that the candidate learns these concepts to support and expand our capabilities with their own ideas and designs.
Collaborate with experts to design and prototype imaginative, thorough, and practical solutions to a wide range of problems by applying skills and knowledge of electronics.
Design, build and fabricate custom circuits, PCBs, cables, and systems.
Develop, interpret, and maintain schematics of circuits and systems.
Acquire knowledge of scientific equipment and processes.
Maintain, troubleshoot, super conducting magnets, and troubleshoot various electronic systems down to the component level (resistors, inductors, transistors, etc.) as needed.
Manage magnet fills with cryogens (liquid helium and nitrogen).
Monitor, operate, maintain helium liquefying mechanical system (PLCs, vacuum pumps, cold heads, valves).
Collaborate with colleagues and vendors to solve issues.
Lead knowledge transfer from expert technologists by documenting work instructions and issue resolutions.
Communicate with internal scientists across PNNL directorates about scheduling, planned maintenance, and repair progress.
Stay updated on the latest technological advancements in the electronics field and incorporate them into projects.
Follow applicable safety practices at all times.
The selected candidate must be able to pass a screening to confirm they are safe to work within magnetic fields that are comparable to exposure in some clinical MRIs. Implanted magnetic particles may cause harm when exposed to a magnetic field. Examples include, but are not limited to: pace-makers, medical implants (cochlear implants, stents, prosthetics), metal from injuries (shrapnel, BBs, bullets, metal shavings).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma/GED and 8 years of relevant experience -OR-
Technical Institute Graduate/relevant AA degree and 6 years of relevant experience -OR-
BS/BA or higher in science or engineering and 4 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with developing, maintaining or repairing complex electronic systems e.g. telecommunication devices, control systems, radio stations, Citizen Band (CB) radio.
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/#/++).
Familiarity with basic component parts: microcontrollers, RF generator, RF transceiver, NMR probes.
Experience with Bruker or Varian NMRs.
Ability to use pressure and vacuum gauges, oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers and have good electromechanical aptitude.
Certifications in electronics manufacturing and/or telecommunications not required, self-taught skills will be considered.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Required exposure to mup to 3 Tesla (30K Gauss)
Required exposure to cryogens (liquid nitrogen and helium)
Lifting up to 50lbs
Climb ladders
As needed, work with energized electronics
As needed, work with high-voltage electronics
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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
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 .
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.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement
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.
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.
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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 $37.16/Hr.
Maximum Salary
USD $55.82/Hr.