Laboratory Technician

GA’s Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Group focuses on the military and commercial applications of advanced electromagnetic technologies, including power generation and distribution, magnetic levitation, laser and weapons systems, and systems design and engineering. The EMS Group supports government customers, which include the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation as well as a range of commercial customers.

We are currently seeking a Laboratory/Test Technician to support our Nuclear Technologies & Materials (NTM) division. This position supports chemical laboratory operations in producing and processing ceramic forming polymer materials. Experience in chemical laboratory, chemical production, or composite fabrication environments is highly desirable. Based at our Rancho Bernardo/Torrey Pines/Sorrento Valley locations, this position offers the opportunity to work closely with scientific teams on cutting-edge research and engineering tasks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Laboratory Technician will play a key role in supporting the production and processing of polymeric materials as well as fabricating, modifying, installing, maintaining, and documenting complex laboratory and experimental equipment. Responsibilities include:

• Operating Chemical Processes: Operate chemical reactors, filtration equipment, distillation equipment, vacuum ovens, extruders, high temperature furnaces, glove boxes.
• Experiment Execution: Execute laboratory experiments or manage complex laboratory functions, ensuring accurate data collection, reduction, summarization, and communication to engineering teams.
• Equipment Fabrication and Maintenance: Construct, modify, and maintain laboratory and experimental equipment in alignment with prototype and lab processes. Ensure all work is documented appropriately.
• Planning and Documentation: Interpret general instructions, plan assembly sequences, prepare sketches and schematics, and maintain quality assurance documentation.
• Design and Development Support: Assist in the design, assembly, and development of laboratory, experimental, and commercial equipment, as well as new designs and processes.
• Operational Testing: Operate equipment and perform tests that require knowledge of specialized processes, utilizing precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, pressure gauges and temperature gauges.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Solving: Identify and correct operational problems in equipment or tests, adjust operating parameters, and develop solutions for complex issues, including designing specialized components.
• Safety and Compliance: Work safely in accordance with established procedures, monitor operations for regulatory and safety compliance, and stay current with required safety training.
• Specialized Conditions: Handle toxic, hazardous, and radioactive materials, and perform duties confidently while wearing personal protective equipment, including a full-face respirator.
• Other Responsibilities: Perform additional duties as assigned to support laboratory and experimental operations.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires associate's degree or equivalent with five or more years of experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Chemical Lab/Production Experience: Experience working in a chemical laboratory or chemical production environment is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with common hand tools and laboratory equipment. Experience with Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) vacuum systems, including vacuum pump operation and maintenance, is desirable.
  Experience with operating chemical processes (reactors, filtration, distillation, drying, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Machining Skills: Experience with lathe, milling machine, and drill press operation is desirable.
• Clearance: Ability to acquire and maintain a Secret Clearance is highly desirable.
• Chemical Handling: Experience handling chemicals and using a respirator is preferred. Must be able to wear a full-face respirator as required.
• CAD Proficiency: Ability to interpret, understand, and create CAD drawings is desirable.
• Math Skills: Strong mathematical aptitude, including the ability to convert between decimals, fractions, and imperial/metric units.
• Complex Assignments: Capability to perform complex assignments under limited review.
• Specialized Systems: Willingness to work on systems with unusual conditions such as high pressure, high voltage, high energy, cryogens, or radioactive materials.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a lab environment requiring long periods of standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Must be comfortable working at elevated heights and have the ability to safely work on ladders.
• Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of computer operations and applications pertinent to the field is required. Experience with water cooling systems, plumbing, pumps, motors, controllers, and basic electronics is desirable.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel is desirable.
• On-Call Availability: Must be available for emergent repairs on a call-in basis.

Job Category

Manufacturing

Experience Level

Mid-Level (3-7 years)

Workstyle

Onsite

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time Hourly

Pay Range Low

60,670

Pay Range High

90,198

Travel Percentage Required

0% - 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided?

No

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Clearance Required?

No